The Ogun State Government has clarified that its physical planning enforcement across the state is not targeted at any individual but is part of its duty to promote proper urban development.
Speaking at a press conference held Monday at the Olusegun Osoba Press Centre, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, TPL Tunji Odunlami, explained that the exercise in Sagamu and Ijebu-Ode is routine and lawful.
According to him, the current verification drive affects residential, commercial, and institutional buildings such as homes, schools, hospitals, and hotels. Property owners were served notices asking them to present valid building permits and planning documents to the Ogun State Planning and Development Permit Authority.
“This is a normal and continuous exercise,” Odunlami said. “It is not about victimizing anyone. We have carried out similar enforcement in Abeokuta and will continue in Ota and Ilaro. The same procedure is followed everywhere.”
The commissioner stressed that enforcement is based purely on law and public interest, not the identity or political affiliation of any property owner. He noted that some developers have already complied with the notices, while others, including former governor and current senator, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, have yet to respond.
“As we speak, Otunba Gbenga Daniel has not presented any documents or made any formal representation regarding the notice served on his properties,” Odunlami stated.
The clarification follows public attention on the sealing of Gbenga Daniel’s properties in Sagamu over alleged planning violations. While the senator has accused the state government of political victimization, the commissioner insisted that all developments must comply with the law, regardless of when they were built.
Quoting Section 73 of the Ogun State Physical Planning Law, Odunlami explained that enforcement notices can be issued even on buildings constructed before the law came into effect.
He added that the law empowers the state to issue stop-work, quit, and demolition notices where there are violations.
“The law is the law, and it applies to everyone equally,” he said.
