The political tension between the Ogun State Government and Senator Gbenga Daniel representing Ogun East Senatorial District has deepened following an alleged “stop work” order on a road project in Sagamu.
Senator Daniel, through his media aide, Steve Oloyede, claimed that the directive from the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure was politically motivated.
Govt Denies Playing Politics
But the state government swiftly countered, dismissing the allegation as “egregious falsehood.”
In a statement signed by Kayode Akinmade, Special Adviser on Media and Strategy to Governor Dapo Abiodun, the government clarified that the contractor, Minim and Tonye Nigeria Limited, was only asked to seek formal permission before continuing work since the road in question is a state-owned road, not federal.
The government explained that the directive was in line with standard procedure, noting that any construction or repair project must obtain approval from the rightful authority before commencing.
Background on Road Approvals
The government cited past examples, recalling how Ogun State could not repair federal roads such as the Abeokuta–Sango Ota road until clearance was obtained from the Federal Ministry of Works under Babatunde Fashola.
It also revealed that in February 2025, former lawmaker Adewunmi Onanuga had sought permission to construct rural roads including:
- Sokanmade Road, Ewuga
- Oko and Ada Road, Simawa
- Ita Maro to Ilara Road
- Alhaja Ogunsanya Street, Irolu
“This is the normal and legal route to take,” the government stressed, insisting that requiring contractors to apply for clearance should not be twisted as an act of political hostility.
The Ogun State Government further challenged critics to show any legal fault in the letter signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works, Yusuf L.O., directing the contractor to suspend operations until the necessary permits are secured.
For now, the Sagamu road project remains on hold as the political back-and-forth continues.
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