Daniel Urges Abiodun’s Cooperation on Ogun East Projects
Former Ogun State Governor and senator representing Ogun East, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, has appealed to Governor Dapo Abiodun to support rather than obstruct federal constituency projects in the state.
Daniel made the call on Saturday during a midterm assessment tour of Ijebu North East Local Government at Equity Resort, Erunwon.
He warned that political rivalry over project implementation would only deny residents the benefits of federal interventions.
“My primary responsibility as senator is to facilitate the location of federal projects, while contract awards and execution rest with federal agencies, often in collaboration with state authorities,” Daniel said.
“What we expect, and indeed require, from the state government is cooperation, not hostility. Petty politics must never be allowed to short-change our people,” he added.
The former governor was reacting to the state government’s decision to halt work on the rehabilitation of Paddy Arikawe Road in Sagamu GRA, citing lack of approval.
Daniel said the road, constructed more than 20 years ago during his tenure as governor, had fallen into disrepair and required urgent attention.
He also disclosed that he had submitted a proposal to convert the Tai Solarin University of Education, Ijagun—recently taken over by the Federal Government—into a multi-campus institution.
The plan includes four new campuses in Ijebu Ode, Okeolugbogun (Ijebu North East), Oni (Ogun Waterside), and between Odogbolu and Ilisan Remo.
According to him, the initiative would address land space challenges and honour the heritage of First Lady, Senator Remi Tinubu, whose family roots trace to Ijebu North East.
The event featured free medical services and the distribution of empowerment items such as sewing machines, motorcycles, grinding machines, deep freezers, and knapsack sprayers.
Daniel further urged the state government to rehabilitate dilapidated roads in Ogun East and restated his commitment to the agitation for an Ijebu-Remo State.
He also commended President Bola Tinubu, saying his performance already justified another four years in office by 2027.
Last week, the Ogun State Ministry of Works ordered contractors to suspend the Sagamu GRA road project for failure to secure approvals.
Daniel’s media aide, Steve Oliyide, described the move as counterproductive and an attempt to deprive Ogun East residents of federal benefits.
But Governor Abiodun’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, dismissed the allegation of hostility.
“With due respect to the former governor, what he ought to do first is what he’s doing last because government is about synergy and cooperation.
The usual thing is to submit documents and get the required approvals before any project is done,” Akinmade said.
He added that the contractor had since complied with requirements and received clearance to return to site.
