After faceoff with Daniel, Ogun govt targets Adebutu’s property

The Ogun State Government has served a notice of default (NoD) on a property belonging to Ladi Adebutu, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in the last election. According to the government, the property, located at Ode Remo in Remo North Local Government Area, is in default of N72,867,004.15 in land use and amenities […]

The Ogun State Government has served a notice of default (NoD) on a property belonging to Ladi Adebutu, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in the last election.

According to the government, the property, located at Ode Remo in Remo North Local Government Area, is in default of N72,867,004.15 in land use and amenities charges.

The notice, marked number 17000062 and signed by the State Ministry of Finance, directed Adebutu to settle the debt within seven days or risk enforcement action.

Reacting, Adebutu described the move as a ploy to “silence and harass the opposition in Ogun State.”

In a statement by his media aide, Afolabi Orekoya, Adebutu said the notice undermined ongoing court proceedings on the same property.

“This latest move is a clear misuse of state power to intimidate the opposition, particularly Hon. Oladipupo Adebutu, and a distraction from the administration’s failure to deliver good governance to the people,” the statement read.

He explained that the matter had been before the High Court of Justice, Sagamu, since 2018 and was the subject of two ongoing suits.

Adebutu insisted it was “contemptuous of the judiciary” for the government to enforce charges already contested in court.

“We must remind the public that, by law, the Ministry of Finance cannot unilaterally impose land use charges without proper assessment of the property. In this case, the so-called notice was merely posted without due process; hence, the ongoing litigation,” he argued.

He called on Governor Dapo Abiodun to stop “weaponising government agencies against perceived political opponents”, urging residents to “see through this intimidation tactic and remain resolute in the face of tyranny”.

When contacted, the governor’s spokesman, Kayode Akinmade, dismissed Adebutu’s claims, insisting the notice was routine and not politically motivated.

“Land use charge is statutory and affects all landowners. I just forwarded to you the one served on Rockcity FM, a radio station here in Ogun. Will Rockcity FM also allege political vendetta?” Akinmade asked.

He added, “Land use charge is part of our law and a means through which the government raises funds for its budget. If others are not crying political vendetta, why should someone turn a statutory obligation into politics?”

The development comes weeks after the state government moved against properties linked to Senator Gbenga Daniel, former governor of Ogun State, citing contravention.

Daniel’s residence, Asoludero Court, and the Conference Hotel annexe in Sagamu were marked for demolition, prompting the senator to describe the action as political persecution.

A High Court sitting in Sagamu later issued an interim order restraining the government from demolishing or tampering with Daniel’s properties.