TENSIONS have resurfaced between the Ogun State Government and Senator Gbenga Daniel over the reconstruction of a road project in Sagamu.
The state’s Ministry of Works and Infrastructure reportedly issued a “stop work” order on the project, which Daniel facilitated, prompting his camp to allege political interference.
His media aide, Steve Oloyede, claimed the move was driven by partisan motives.
However, the Ogun government strongly denied the allegation, describing it as false.
In a statement signed by Governor Dapo Abiodun’s Special Adviser on Media and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, the government explained that the contractor, Minim and Tonye Nigeria Limited, was only asked to suspend work until the proper approvals were obtained.
According to the government, the road in question is classified as a state road, and any contractor working on it must first apply for clearance.
Akinmade stressed that the directive was not an attempt to frustrate Daniel but a routine procedure that ensures projects are properly coordinated and recorded.
The statement further recalled that even state governments must seek federal approval before working on federal roads, citing Ogun’s past experience with the Abeokuta–Sango Ota road under then-Minister of Works Babatunde Fashola.
“The authors of this fake news are being mischievous. How can asking a contractor to get approval before working on a state road be equated with political hostility?” the statement read.
To support its stance, the government pointed to a February 1, 2025, letter in which a former federal lawmaker, Adewunmi Onanuga, sought and received approval before commencing rural road projects in Simawa, Irolu, and other communities.
The Abiodun administration maintained that following due process is standard practice and urged the public to disregard insinuations of political vendetta.