The Court of Appeal sitting in Ibadan has struck out an appeal filed by the Ogun State Government challenging the ruling over the controversial demolition of Datkem Plaza, a five-story complex in Ijebu-Ode owned by Yeye Olufunke Daniel, the wife of former Ogun State Governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel.
The appeal, presided over by Hon. Justice Y.B. Nimpar, was dismissed for lack of competence, dealing a significant blow to the administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun, which has faced intense scrutiny and criticism over the circumstances surrounding the destruction of the multi-billion-naira property.
The demolition of Datkem Plaza, valued at approximately N5 billion, was carried out in the dead of the night on a weekend, raising suspicions of politically motivated sabotage.
Reports indicate that the building, which was already completed and awaiting commissioning just two weeks before it was brought down, was targeted by agents allegedly acting on the orders of the Ogun State Government.
Unconfirmed sources claim that the initial plan was to use dynamite to create the illusion that the structure had collapsed due to structural defects.
However, upon realizing that the explosion could damage surrounding buildings and expose the act as deliberate sabotage, the perpetrators allegedly opted for jackhammers and bulldozers, executing the demolition under the cover of darkness.
Eyewitnesses who spoke to journalists described the scene as “a well-coordinated operation” designed to erase the landmark building, which many had believed would become the tallest structure in Ijebuland. By the time daylight broke, Datkem Plaza was nothing but rubble—its dream of becoming a thriving commercial hub obliterated overnight.
Following the demolition, the Ogun State Government defended its actions, citing regulatory infractions as the basis for bringing down the structure. Officials claimed that Datkem Plaza violated planning approvals, a claim the owners vehemently denied, providing evidence of compliance with all necessary regulations.
In response, Yeye Olufunke Daniel dragged the state government to court, arguing that the destruction of her property was illegal, vindictive, and politically motivated. The lower court ruled in her favor, prompting the Ogun State Government to file an appeal, which has now been struck out for lack of competence by the Court of Appeal in Ibadan.
The demolition of Datkem Plaza ignited a political firestorm, with many interpreting it as a direct attack on the Daniel family, given the longstanding political rivalry between Governor Abiodun and former Governor Gbenga Daniel, who is now a senator representing Ogun East Senatorial District.
Observers see the Court of Appeal’s decision as a legal and moral victory for the Daniel family, reinforcing the argument that the demolition was not based on law, but rather on political vendetta.
With the appeal dismissed, legal analysts believe the Ogun State Government could face further legal consequences, including potential financial compensation for the destruction of the multi-billion-naira property. Meanwhile, the Daniels’ supporters are celebrating the verdict as a step toward justice in what they call “one of the most brazen acts of executive impunity in Ogun State’s history.”
While the Ogun State Government has yet to respond to the Court of Appeal’s decision, legal experts suggest that it may have limited options left, as the ruling effectively upholds the lower court’s judgment.
For now, the spotlight remains on Governor Abiodun’s administration, with critics demanding accountability for the demolition of a structure that could have transformed the economic landscape of Ijebu-Ode.
Seunmanuel Faleye is a brand and communications strategist. He is a covert writer and an overt creative head. He publishes Apple’s Bite International Magazine.
