Ogun Court Dismisses Government’s Frivolous Appeal Over Datkem Plaza Demolition

The Court of Appeal in Ibadan has dismissed the Ogun State Government’s latest attempt to extend the time to appeal a previous ruling on the controversial demolition of Datkem Plaza in Ijebu Ode. The application by the Abiodun-led administration was struck out as “incompetent, frivolous, and an abuse of judicial process” on Tuesday, June 24, 2025.

This marks the second time this year that the state government’s legal maneuvers in the case have been rejected by the appellate court, with a similar application struck out in February 2025. Critics accuse the government of using delay tactics to frustrate justice in the matter involving the multi-billion-naira commercial property owned by Mrs. Olufunke Daniel, wife of former governor and current senator Otunba Gbenga Daniel.

The dispute began in September 2023 when agents of the Ogun State Government, allegedly under Governor Dapo Abiodun’s orders, demolished the nearly completed five-storey Datkem Plaza despite it having all necessary approvals. The government cited regulatory violations, but independent investigations and court rulings have found these claims unsubstantiated, describing the demolition as politically motivated and unlawful.

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Mrs. Daniel has since sought legal redress, winning initial court injunctions against further state interference. However, the government has persisted with multiple appeals—three still pending—drawing sharp judicial criticism for abusing the legal process and wasting public funds.

The Appeal Court’s repeated dismissals highlight growing judicial impatience with the state government’s tactics and bolster the view that the demolition was a vindictive act against a prominent political family. Legal experts say the outcome of the remaining appeals will significantly impact Governor Abiodun’s legacy regarding rule of law and political accountability in Ogun State.

For now, the courts continue to reject the government’s appeals, signaling a turning tide in favor of Mrs. Daniel and against the Abiodun administration’s controversial actions.