Crimes

Ogun govt demolishes Gbenga Daniel’s wife N1bn plaza

The Ogun State Government has demolished DATKEM Plaza, which is owned by Yeye Olufunke, the wife of the former two-term governor of the state, Sen. Gbenga Daniel.

The mall, located on Folagbade Street in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, was demolished within three days of notification.

The Project Manager and Developer, Engr. Olusegun Lawal, made this known in a statement on Sunday, September 10, 2023.

Lawal said the notice of demolition was three days, adding that the bulldozers of the government moved in at about 3 a.m. on Sunday and was still working at the time he issued the statement.

He put the cost of the building at N1 billion, with about 100 workmen, who are Nigerians, on the site.

Lawal said the plaza is a solid structure with full approval, noting that the construction started in 2009 and was scheduled for commissioning at the end of September 2023.

He said the ground floor and mezzanine is a banking hall fully fitted with bank trap doors, and CHUBB strong room, adding that it has a Kone elevator installed by Kresta Laurel Limited, another company owned by Daniel, the senator representing Ogun East Senatorial District.

The Project Manager stated that about 80 new split air-conditioners which were recently installed by Holomicool Nigeria Limited were also destroyed alongside the building with a 150 KVA generator set and transformer.

Lawal noted that the firefighting system and external cladding in the building were also demolished.

Speaking on the reasons behind the demolition of the building by the Ogun State Government, Lawal said: “Not enough parking space (front of building is Folagbade Street, sided by two undeveloped streets which is being prepared by the Developers to be tarred to support parking while the empty piece of land at the back is being negotiated for lease to complement car parking.

“Inadequate Muster Point: Muster point is any space outside the building where people can gather in case of fire or emergency. There is ample space around the building that can be used as Muster Point.

“Inadequate Airspace. This is a new one. But there is enough airspace as there is no single adjoining building around the four sides of the building.

“There is also no concrete fence but only metal grills to ensure proper airflow.

“It must be noted that there are other buildings in the vicinity that do not even come close in terms of compliance on safety matters.

“All this information is known by the relevant personnel of Government in ongoing discussions.”

The Star