THE Governor of Ogun state, Dapo Abiodun, has backed the partial demolition of the DATKEM five-storey building plaza in the Ijebu-Ode are of the state.
Abiodun spoke on his support of the demolition while inspecting the reconstruction of the 8km Mowe/Ofada Road in the Obafemi/Owode Local Government Area of the state on Monday.
He assured that the demolition was carried out free of any political undertone or sentiment.
AfriqueCan gathered that the said building belonged to Olufunke Daniel, the wife of the ex Governor of Ogun state, Otunba Gbenga Daniel.
Recall that Mrs Daniel called out the Governor for what she described as “executive recklessness and irresponsibility,” in regards to the partial demolition of her structure.
Governor Abiodun has now responded by insisting that no individual is above the law.
“It smirks of impunity.
“The owners of DATKEM in their minds must have felt they were above the law because they were actually recalcitrant,” the Governor fired while speaking to reporters.
The Governor pointed out that, despite being served a demolition order, the owners of the DATKEM plaza failed to respond.
“It smirks of impunity if the Ministry of Physical Planning sends you a contravention order, sends you a seal order and you continue with the construction in violation of the safety of all of us in Ogun State.
“They sent you a demolition order, but you still did not respond. You begin to sneak into the building at night. You begin to work there.
“You begin to attempt to grease palms so that they can overlook your contravention. But, of course, the day of reckoning would always come,” he said.
The Governor then praised officials of the Ministry of Physical Planning for showing strength in adversity in the execution of their duties.
Governor Abiodun noted that this was not first time illegal structures are being demolished in the state.
He used the opportunity to caution owners of structures to ensure they obtain authorised documents from the relevant state government agencies as his government has no room for any sharp practices of any kind.