Photo File: Former Governor of Ogun State Gbenga Daniel 

The Ogun State Government has confirmed that it ordered a halt to the ongoing construction of the Paddy Arikawe Oye Igbimo Road in the Sagamu GRA, a constituency project facilitated by Senator Gbenga Daniel, former governor and current representative of Ogun East Senatorial District.

The directive was issued over the contractor’s alleged failure to obtain necessary approvals from the state before beginning work on the road, which is under the jurisdiction of the state government.

A letter dated September 17, 2025, and signed by Dr. Lateef Yusuf, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Works, on behalf of the Commissioner for Works, Ade Akinsanya, informed the contractor of the stop-work order. The letter noted that the project contravened due process and advised that official clearance be obtained before any work could continue.

“This action negates the normal due process which ought to be followed before commencing work on a state government road,” the letter read.
“You are, therefore, advised to stop work and follow the necessary approval process.”

The state government also disclosed that the same road is already under consideration for reconstruction as part of its development plans for Sagamu Local Government.

In a press briefing, Mr. Kayode Akinmade, Special Adviser to Governor Dapo Abiodun on Information and Strategy, emphasized that the decision was administrative, not political. According to him, the same standards are applied even to federal projects, which require federal approvals before state intervention.

“Even for federal roads, the state must obtain permission before work can begin. The same rule applies here,” Akinmade explained.

He cited the late Rep. Adewunmi Onanuga’s road interventions as an example of how constituency projects can proceed smoothly with proper alignment and documentation.

However, the move has drawn criticism from Senator Gbenga Daniel’s media aide, Mr. Steve Oliyide, who described the action as “counterproductive” and “premeditated.” He alleged that this is not the first time the state government has disrupted projects facilitated by the senator.

Oliyide referenced previous incidents involving the Sagamu-Aiyepe Road and the GatewayHotel road in Ijebu Ode as other examples of similar interference.

“Actions like this undermine Federal Government efforts and rob communities of critical infrastructure. It’s an unfortunate politicization of development,” Oliyide said.

The standoff underscores the growing tensions between federal representatives and state authorities over jurisdictional control and the execution of constituency projects. As it stands, work on the road remains suspended until further notice.