Court drama unfolded in Sagamu as Senator Gbenga Daniel presented building approvals to counter Ogun State’s demolition claims, but the government failed to respond, forcing an extension of the court injunction protecting his properties
Demolition Suit: Ogun Govt Fails to Respond as Gbenga Daniel Submits Building Approvals
By Lukman OMIKUNLE
Sagamu, Ogun State — October 13, 2025:
The courtroom drama between Senator Gbenga Daniel (OGD) and the Ogun State Government took a new twist on Monday, as proceedings in the high-profile demolition suit were stalled following the state’s late filing — hours after the former governor presented certified building approval documents for his properties in Sagamu.
The case, HCS/371/2025 — OGD and Anor vs OGSG and ORS, was called before the Sagamu High Court, where the presiding judge expressed displeasure over the state’s failure to respond promptly to Daniel’s submissions.
Represented by A.M. Kotoye (SAN) alongside O.T. Are and A.O. Adeniyi, Daniel’s legal team accused the government of deliberately delaying the case. On the other hand, the defence, led by R.B. Kadiri, Director of Civil Litigation, and assisted by A.E. Odukoya, Onawole, and Onadipe, cited “technical and logistical difficulties” as reasons for their late response.
Late Filing Sparks Tension
The defence informed the court that its Notice of Preliminary Objection was filed on October 2 but was only served to Daniel’s team that same morning, October 13, due to what it described as the “death of a senior lawyer,” Late Ogunba (SAN), whose office had been used as the service address.
The excuse did not sit well with Kotoye (SAN), who accused the government’s lawyers of playing delay tactics: “In the regular nature of the state, I am sure they came this morning to stall proceedings. The excuse of Ogunba’s death is not only lame but unfounded. The government has our phone numbers and email addresses — we received other documents from them last week.”
The Senior Advocate told the court that the claimants had already filed a further affidavit on September 25, attaching copies of valid building approvals for the disputed properties — The Asoludero Court and Conference Hotel in Sagamu.
“We filed and exhibited the approval of the claimant’s building. I had expected a smart legal team to invite us for settlement after seeing our papers, but they would rather come to lie openly,” Kotoye added.
Court Queries Ogun Govt’s Commitment
The presiding judge, visibly displeased by the turn of events, questioned the state’s counsel on why they had failed to respond to filings already in their possession. The court noted that such conduct suggested a lack of seriousness in pursuing settlement or a speedy resolution. The judge queried, “If you have received this court process and looked at it, why did you not call them and start settlement meetings?” adding that “All these processes filed and served today show you only came to stall proceedings.”
The defence team requested an adjournment, citing the court’s impending leave, prompting Kotoye (SAN) to urge the court to extend the existing injunction protecting the properties from demolition.
“It is the government that ought to serve the masses and not the other way round. The defence, apart from being incompetent, is not interested in mediation,” the Senior Advocate told the court.
Order Extended Until 2026
In a ruling that brought relief to Daniel’s supporters, the judge extended the interim injunction restraining the Ogun State Government from taking any action against the properties until January 14, 2026, when all pending applications will be heard.
The suit and others — HCS/372 and HCS/374 — are adjourned to January 14, 2026. The order earlier granted is extended until the hearing of the applications.”
Background: From Notices to Court Battle
The legal clash stems from the Ogun State Planning and Development Permit Authority’s action on August 8, 2025, when it served “Notice to Quit” and contravention letters on Daniel’s private residence, The Asoludero Court, and his Conference Hotel, Sagamu. The government, citing the Ogun State Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law No. 61 of 2022, alleged that the buildings lacked valid permits.
Senator Daniel, however, maintains that the law is being applied retroactively to structures “legally constructed many years before the law was enacted,” describing the government’s move as politically motivated vendetta.
His legal team argues that the case is a continuation of the political hostility that led to the controversial September 2023 demolition of DATKEM Plaza, a multi-million-naira complex owned by his wife, Yeye Olufunke Daniel.
Despite government claims that the demolitions are part of “urban renewal efforts,” critics point to the timing ahead of the 2027 senatorial race, where Daniel remains a towering figure in Ogun East politics. Read More
