Ogun State Court Orders Gbenga Daniel to Submit Property Documents Within Two Weeks Amid Dispute

In a significant ruling on Tuesday, the Ogun State High Court sitting in Sagamu directed former Governor and current Senator Gbenga Daniel to present the necessary property documents requested by the Ogun State government within a two-week period.

The court hearing for Suit No: HCS/371/2025, involving Otunba Gbenga Daniel and another against the Ogun State Governor and others, saw Justice O. S. Oloyede instruct Senator Daniel to comply with the government’s request for property documentation. The directive aligns with an ongoing statewide audit on physical development and urban planning compliance.

Representatives for the Ogun State government, led by Solicitor General O.T. Olaotan and other counsel, stated that interlocutory injunctions and counter-affidavits had been filed, asserting the matter was not yet ripe for hearing, and requested the claimants submit the requested documents during the granted extension period.

The claimants’ legal team, headed by SAN A.O. Kotoye, sought an extension of the interim court order, which was set to expire in seven days. The defense argued for the claimants to utilize the government’s announced two-week extension to promptly present their property documents to the Ministry of Physical Planning, a step taken by other property owners in similar situations.

Justice Oloyede urged both parties to maintain the status quo and explore settlement options. He further stressed the importance of utilizing the two-week extension to provide all relevant property documents as part of the lawful audit process.

The hearing was adjourned to October 13, 2025, by mutual agreement of counsel for future proceedings on the pending applications.

This judicial directive comes amid heightened tensions sparked by the Ogun State Government’s attempts to verify property ownership and compliance with urban planning laws. Recently, the government had issued a quit notice and sealing orders on Senator Daniel’s properties in the Sagamu Government Reserved Area (GRA), alleging breaches of the Ogun State Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law No. 61 of 2022. The properties include Daniel’s Asoludero Court residence and Conference Hotels, which the government alleges were constructed without proper permits.

The State Government had earlier extended a deadline for property owners statewide—especially in Sagamu and Ijebu-Ode—to submit valid planning permits or regularize developments via the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development. This extension grants additional time for compliance amid ongoing audits to ensure sustainable urban development and regulatory adherence.

Senator Daniel had challenged the government’s actions in court, obtaining an interim order restraining demolition or interference with his properties pending further judicial review. His lawyers assert the need for due process and legal protection of their client’s property rights while the matter is heard.

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However, critics accuse Daniel of defying lawful orders and failing to comply with the property documentation audit like other residents. Meanwhile, the government maintains that the audit is impartial and not targeting any individual, emphasizing that proper documentation is essential for orderly urban planning.

With the court’s latest directive, Senator Daniel now has a clear two-week mandate to furnish the requested documents to the government authorities, setting the stage for a critical resolution to the dispute over his Sagamu properties.