Residents of Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, have voiced their shock and displeasure following the vandalization of DATKEM Plaza, a multi-billion-naira property owned by Yeye Olufunke, the wife of Gbenga Daniel, Senator representing Ogun East and former governor of the state.
In what appears to be a politically motivated incident, the early hours of September 10 witnessed a violent intrusion and destruction of a nearby building on Folagbade Street in Ijebu Ode, sending tremors throughout the neighborhood.
According to a resident identified as Olasile, who spoke with Apples Bite Magazine reporter, the operation began around 3 a.m. and was marked by loud and heavy noises emanating from inside the building. He suggested a suspicious collaboration with the power supply company, saying, “No one could come out because there was no light. It was obvious they connived with NEPA for this sinister operation because immediately after they left, NEPA restored the light.”
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Another resident, who requested anonymity, expressed strong criticism of Dapo Abiodun, the Governor of Ogun State, calling him “wicked and retrogressive.” He accused the governor of failing to bring development to Ogun State and, instead, tearing down existing development efforts by others. “It is unfortunate that our governor is a destroyer of inheritance. We cannot point to a single development that he has brought to Ijebu-Ode, yet he destroys what he met on the ground. It is a shame. A notice of demolition was posted three days ago on the building. Then, around 3 a.m. on Sunday, they came to destroy the building. How is this an official duty?” he queried.
Ahmed, another resident who claimed to be outside during the incident, alleged that Efele, a popular political figure loyal to Governor Dapo Abiodun, led the thugs responsible for the vandalism. He stated that seven armed policemen accompanied and supervised the destruction.
Government Vandalises DATKEM Plaza Despite Approvals and Compliance
DATKEM Plaza, a five-story building owned by Her Exc Yeye Olufunke Daniel, is an iconic and structurally sound edifice with full approval. Construction began in 2009, with a scheduled commissioning set for the end of September 2023.
The ground floor and mezzanine house a fully equipped banking hall, complete with bank trap doors and a CHUBB strong room. Other amenities include a Kone elevator installed by Kresta Laurel Ltd, approximately 80 brand-new split air conditioners installed by Holomicool Nig Ltd, a 150kVA generator set, a transformer, and a fire-fighting system.
External cladding was nearing completion by Vertex Nig Ltd, and the building had been supervised by qualified and certified engineers, including Engr. A Lawal and Engr. Ibraheem Shonde, among others.
The reasons given by the government for the demolition include insufficient parking space, inadequate muster points, and a claim of inadequate airspace. However, developers were preparing nearby streets for parking, and ample space existed for muster points.
A notice of demolition was issued by the government just three days prior to the demolition, which commenced at 3 am on Sunday, September 10, 2023.
The estimated cost of the building is approximately N1 billion, and it provided employment for around 100 Nigerians.
The building had no structural defects, and all relevant government approvals had been obtained. The third floor of the building was designated to house the Ogun East Senatorial Office.
The incident has sparked outrage among residents and calls for transparency and accountability in the demolition process.
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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.
