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Ex-Gov Daniel’s wife and Ogun authorities dispute plaza demolition.
The Ogun State Administration has taken steps to partially dismantle the DATKEM Plaza in Ijebu Ode, reportedly the property of Mrs. Olufunke Daniel, spouse of former Governor Otunba Gbenga Daniel. The plaza was flagged by the government as an unauthorized edifice lacking proper permissions, thus breaching state regulations.
In a statement released on Sunday by Olayiwola Abiodun, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, he highlighted that the plaza had multiple infractions against the state’s building codes.
Abiodun emphasized that the government had attempted multiple times to halt ongoing construction at the site. These attempts were continually overlooked by the developers. A call was made to the building’s structural engineer to examine the building’s integrity, but this too was neglected.
The Permanent Secretary challenged the property’s proprietors to present evidence of any official approval they might have. On the other hand, Mr. Adeyinka Kotoye (SAN), representing the former governor’s wife, expressed concerns that the state government overlooked relevant legal documents presented to them which advised against the plaza’s demolition.
In a twist to the narrative, Kotoye unveiled that the state’s action was seemingly executed under the guise of political maneuvering with suspected political agents, purportedly backed by police officials.
Highlighting the building’s history, the Permanent Secretary shared that DATKEM Enterprises Limited began the plaza’s construction in 2009. The building was intended to be a five-floor structure with specific design parameters. However, during regular checks, deviations from the original design were discovered, leading to a series of notices being issued.
Mrs. Olufunke Daniel, through her legal spokesperson, expressed her disappointment at the state’s actions, emphasizing that the move was a surprise, especially given the legal dialogues that were in progress.
Yet, Olusegun Lawal, the project manager overseeing the plaza’s development, stated that the construction began in 2009 with all necessary approvals. He refuted the government’s claims, insisting that the construction adhered to all stipulations.
As the situation unfolds, Chief Segun Sowunmi, a former gubernatorial candidate, penned an open letter to President Bola Tinubu. He expressed his reservations about the state’s actions and raised concerns about the region’s safety and governance under the current leadership.
In a concluding note, an insider from Governor Abiodun’s camp defended the state’s actions. He stressed the importance of ensuring safety and following legal protocols, dismissing Sowunmi’s concerns as unwarranted.
The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to maintain the status quo in a dispute over the party’s candidates emerging from the Benue State APC primaries for the 2027 general election.
The order was made on Thursday by Justice Inyang Ekwo during proceedings in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1429/2026, filed by Engr. Sesugh Akaagba and other aggrieved APC candidates from Benue State against the APC and INEC.
The plaintiffs had, through an ex parte motion filed on July 5, 2026, sought six interim reliefs, including an order restraining the APC from substituting its validly nominated candidates in Benue State through its June 29, 2026 correspondence, or any subsequent communication, to INEC, pending determination of the substantive suit.
They also sought an order compelling the APC to immediately transmit to INEC the names of candidates validly nominated during the primaries monitored by the electoral commission.
When the matter first came up on July 8, 2026, the court declined to grant the interim application immediately, directing both APC and INEC to appear and respond before any decision was taken. The matter was adjourned to July 16.
At Thursday’s proceedings, counsel representing the APC and INEC were present in court, while the plaintiffs were represented by Mohammed Ndarani, SAN, alongside his legal team.
In his ruling, Justice Ekwo held that since issues had been joined by the parties particularly with INEC now before the court, the defendants were required by law to preserve the subject matter of the litigation pending determination of the substantive suit.
When counsel to the plaintiffs urged the court to caution APC and INEC against taking any further action that could affect the disputed list of candidates, the judge responded that it was “not a matter of advice but of law,” stressing that the defendants were bound to maintain the status quo.
The court consequently restrained APC and INEC from taking any action capable of altering the disputed list of candidates pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit.
The defendants did not object to the restraining order.
At the commencement of proceedings, the court noted that all parties had voluntarily submitted to its jurisdiction by duly filing and exchanging their respective processes.
It held that there was no procedural or jurisdictional impediment to the expeditious determination of the substantive action, and directed that the matter be heard without further delay.
In furtherance of the objective of preserving the res and safeguarding the efficacy of the judicial process, the court ordered all parties to maintain the status quo pending the hearing and final determination of the substantive suit, restraining any act or omission capable of prejudicing the rights of the parties or rendering the proceedings nugatory.
The court further directed that INEC be served forthwith with the originating and all consequential processes.
The effect of the subsisting order is that INEC is restrained from tampering with the existing list of candidates pending final determination of the suit, and from receiving, recognising, or acting upon any purported substituted list of National Assembly candidates from Benue State submitted by the APC.
The matter was adjourned to July 21, 2026, for hearing of the substantive suit.
Former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan and former First Lady Patience Ibifaka Jonathan recently celebrated a significant family milestone as they attended the graduation ceremony of their son, Ariara Goodluck Jonathan, at Manchester Metropolitan University in the United Kingdom.
The proud parents joined family members and well-wishers to witness Ariara receive his degree, marking the successful completion of his academic programme. The occasion was filled with joy as the Jonathan family commemorated the achievement, highlighting the importance they place on education and personal development.
The graduation ceremony attracted warm congratulatory messages from friends, associates, and admirers, who wished the graduate continued success in his future endeavours.
The Following names joined the political family of Sen. Dr. George Akume today after leaving the sinking Alia ship .
Under the leadership of Barr. Emmanuel Jime .
The are ;
Chief Nelson Alapa
Douglas pepe SAN senatorial Aspirant zone A,
Engr Peter Ashiekaa
QS Clement Beetseh
Former commissioners
Joy Luga
Ann itodo
Barr martins Shaagee
Miss Dorcas
Prof Usar Joseh
Prof Cephas Tushima
Chief Patrick Idoko
Hon Patience Akor
Hon Fred Idoko
Hon Lawrence Ekpo Onoja Jnr
Hon Andrew Abah
Hon Agbo Innocent Ikwumonu
Hon Simon Omachoko
Hon David Egboja
Dr John Garba
Among together,
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