New Twist In Abiodun–Daniel Saga Ahead Of Remo By-Election

A fresh turn has emerged in the long-running political saga between Governor Dapo Abiodun and Senator Gbenga Daniel.

Barely 24 hours after Daniel made a public declaration to mobilise support for the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the August 16, 2025 Ikenne/Remo North/Sagamu by-election, news broke that his residence and businesses had been sealed by the Ogun State Government.

Officials of the Ogun State Planning and Development Permit Authority were said to have pasted “Notice of Seal/Stop Work Orders” on Daniel’s private residence and one of his hotels, Adeola Court, in Sagamu.

The move follows last week’s contravention, quit, and demolition notices served on three of the Senator’s properties — Asoludero Court, Conference Hotels, and its annex.

While the state government described the actions as part of a routine development audit in Sagamu and Ijebu-Ode Government Reserved Areas (GRAs) under its urban renewal programme, it reportedly cited “alleged violations of planning and development regulations” for Monday’s action against the Senator’s property.

Daniel, through his media aide Steve Oliyide, has alleged political persecution in a widely circulated press statement issued over the weekend. He argued that serving contravention and quit notices on the same day bypassed the procedural timelines required by law, adding that demolition is not an immediate penalty for alleged infractions.

Although both men are senior figures in the ruling APC, Abiodun and Daniel have been locked in an intense political rivalry dating back to 2020.

The dispute has intensified amid speculation over the Ogun East Senatorial seat in the next political cycle. Daniel is seeking re-election, while Abiodun is believed to be eyeing the position.

Tensions escalated further when Daniel and his loyalists were excluded from the APC Campaign Council for the August 16 Remo Federal Constituency by-election — despite his deep grassroots influence. Abiodun remains firmly in control of the party structure.

Remo is part of Ogun East, the district Daniel currently represents in the Senate. He has largely stayed away from the party’s by-election preparations.

Despite the state government’s denials, political circles have linked the sealing of the Senator’s properties to his feud with the Governor — and as a possible attempt to pressure him into negotiations.

Daniel’s return from an overseas trip to campaign for the party had been interpreted as a gesture towards reconciliation, but the sealing of his properties has injected fresh tension into the unfolding saga.