The Ogun State Government has dismissed reports that it sealed properties belonging to former Governor and Senator representing Ogun East, Gbenga Daniel, clarifying that only a “Stop Work” and “Quit” notice was served.
Speaking at a press conference held at the Governor’s Office, Abeokuta, on the issue, the Commissioner for Urban and Physical Planning, TPL Tunji Odunlami, explained that the government follows a clear procedure whenever a property is to be sealed.
TPL Odunlami explained that anytime the government wants to seal a property, it will be physically marked, and a sticker or cross-sign indicating sealing will be pasted.
He said what was pasted today was not a sealing notice, but a stop notice and quit notice, directing the property’s representatives to appear at their office for clarification.
He said, “What we are currently doing is therefore no exception. This exercise had been done in Abeokuta and is now extended to Shagamu and Ijebuode, where there is no force except this only one. It is still going to be carried out in Ota and Ilaro, where we also have GRAs.
“All the owners of any building served the notice need to do is simply to go to the office that issued the notice and present their permits and other documents for verification. As we speak, distinguished Senator Otunba Gbenga Daniel is yet to do so or make any representation to that effect.
“The state government has a standing mandate to enforce its physical planning laws and does so every day across the state, considering only the law and the public good. The identity of developers does not feature in our considerations. The current enforcement notices issued are no different, and they are not special.
“They form only a small part of several enforcement notices which are issued every month, indeed every day. The goal of fiscal planning law and regulation is to aid urban development and control the uses of land in the public interest. The goal is not to victimize anybody who obeys the law.
“That is why whenever the Ogun State government issues enforcement notices, genuine developers respond through the proper channels by justifying their developments or seeking plan adjustments and ratifications. The Ogun State government does not concede the stated ages or stages of development. The law is very clear.
“The state physical planning law and all regulations under it are enforceable at any time and for all time on all developments in the state, including developments that preceded the law. Section 73 of the state’s physical planning law provides thus: an enforcement notice may be issued under subsection one of this section notwithstanding that the unauthorized development, renovation, alteration, repair, addition, or violation took place before the commencement of this law.
“We appeal to distinguished Senator Otunba Gbenga Daniel to send his representative to the relevant government office to show his documents for verification and obtain clearance.
“If he is in compliance or advice from us to rectify any violation. This invitation extends to everyone who has been served our enforcement notice, either in Shagamu or Ijebuode or wherever throughout Ogun State.”
