Ogun govt demolishes Daniel's property in Ijebu-Ode

Damilola Ajibola

A five-storey building, DATKEM Plaza, belonging to the wife of former governor of Ogun State, Yeye Olufunke Daniel, is undergoing demolition by the agents of the Ogun State Government.

The Project Manager and Developer, Engr Olusegun Lawal, of Adeolumi Environmental Services Ltd, confirmed the incident on Sunday in a statement made available to News Contact Online. 

The demolition was said to have been carried out at 3.00am on Sunday, 10th September, 2023 following a three days notice of demolition served by the government. 

Engr. Lawal, who revealed that construction work on the project started in 2009 and scheduled for commissioning at the end of this month, said the structure had full approval from the state government.

He said there were no structural or quality issues as far as the project is concerned.

He explained that the iconic building has a ground floor and mezzanine is a banking hall fully fitted with bank trap doors, and CHUBB strong room and Kone Elevator installed by Kresta Laurel Ltd.

The project developer also noted that the structure housed no fewer than 80 brand new split airconditioners just completely installed and a 150kVA generator set and transformer in place with fire fighting system.

He said that some of the reasons given by State Government agents in carrying out the demolition exercise was that there are no enough  parking space.

Lawal explained that the front of building is Folagbade Street, sided by two undeveloped streets which is being prepared by the developers to be tarred to support parking while there is a  empty piece of land at the back of the building which is being negotiated for lease to complement car parking.

Another reason said to have been given by government is that there is inadequate muster point and inadequate airspace.

He, however, countered the purported government position, saying that “muster point is any space outside the building where people can gather in case of fire or emergency. There is ample space around the building that can be used as muster point.

“There is enough airspace as there is no single adjoining building around the four sides of the building. There is also no concrete fence but only metal grills to ensure proper airflow.

It must be noted that there are other buildings with the vicinity that does not even come close in terms of compliance on safety matters. All these information are known by the relevant personnel of Government in ongoing discussions.”

The project developer said notice of demolition was served by government for three days and that  demolition exercise started on Sunday 10th by 3.00am.

He said that the exercise is ongoing at the time of filing this report and that the building cost about N1bn.