Battle over roads: Inside Ogun’s clash with Gbenga Daniel

By Adejoke Adeleye

The Ogun State Government has refuted claims that it is obstructing road projects initiated by Senator Gbenga Daniel, former governor of the state, insisting that coordination and due process remain essential for sustainable development.

The clarification was made by Kayode Akinmade, Special Adviser on Media and Strategy to Governor Dapo Abiodun, during a current affairs programme, Frontline, on Eagle 102.5 FM, Ijebu-Ilese.

Akinmade explained that lawmakers from Ogun State typically notify the government about their constituency projects to ensure alignment with state plans and budgeting, but Senator Daniel failed to follow the established process.

“If a project the state is contemplating is already captured in the federal budget, the state government will now use the resources allocated for that one for another road. But in a situation where there is no communication, that’s the problem,” he said.

He appealed to Daniel and other federal lawmakers to work closely with the relevant state ministries, stressing that the government has no reason to block development projects.

Akinmade highlighted the Abiodun administration’s record of completing over 1,200 kilometres of roads across all 20 local governments, including the reconstruction of federal highways such as the Ijebu-Ode–Epe road.

He further stated that Ogun’s economy had grown from ₦3.5 trillion in 2019 to ₦16 trillion in 2025, with investors flocking to Sagamu, Papalanto, and other areas.

He disclosed ongoing plans for a Disneyland-style facility and entertainment hall to boost the state’s business climate.

According to him, Ogun has recorded the lowest food price increase nationwide, as reported by the National Bureau of Statistics in May 2025, while the renovation of Olumo Rock now generates about ₦20 million weekly.

Describing Ogun as “arguably the most secure state in Nigeria,” Akinmade said the government is also collaborating with Lagos on a ₦500 billion agricultural intervention and has introduced farmers’ markets in Abeokuta to stabilise food prices.

“In the last six years, Ogun State has been the investors’ destination of choice in Nigeria,” Akinmade declared.