Ogun Government Insists on Standards for Senator Daniel’s Road Project, Dismisses Claims as “Laughable”

OGUN STATE – The Ogun State Government has firmly dismissed claims that Governor Dapo Abiodun is imposing unusually strict standards on a 260-metre road project in Sagamu, a constituency project facilitated by Senator Gbenga Daniel.

In a statement on Wednesday, the government described the allegations as “laughable and ridiculous,” asserting that its only concern is ensuring the road meets mandatory safety and technical specifications.

The controversy centres on the Paddy Arikawe Oye-Igbimo Road, proposed by Senator Daniel, who represents Ogun East. The state government, through a statement by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media & Strategy, Hon. Kayode Akinmade, clarified that the requirements given to the contractor, Minim and Tonye Nigeria Limited, are the standard specifications applied to all state road projects.

The government’s response comes after a report, allegedly from Senator Daniel’s media team, accused the governor of interfering in a federal project. The state government labelled that report a “name-dropping pile of garbage” and a “hastily assembled fabrication.”

According to the statement, the issue arose after the contractor submitted project drawings for approval. The Ogun State Ministry of Works and Infrastructure reportedly discovered that the drainage and concrete pavement design failed to meet the standards set by the Federal Ministry of Works (FMW).

“The Ogun State Ministry of Works identified clear technical shortcomings in the contractor’s proposal, and dragging Mr President into this matter is a needless distraction,” the statement read.

The government also revealed that the contractor commenced work without formally notifying the Ministry, thereby bypassing standard due process. A letter dated September 17, 2025, was subsequently sent to the contractor, instructing them to inform the Ministry and seek necessary approval.

Furthermore, the state government stated that the contractor’s plan to construct only 300 metres of the 3,000-metre road (10%) could lead to a disjointed project. It noted that the state ministry had already carried out palliative work on parts of the road and was in the final stages of designing the entire stretch.

The statement emphasised that it is statutory for state governments to seek clearance from the Federal Ministry of Works before working on federal roads, and vice versa, to avoid duplication and ensure coherence.

“The directive by the Ogun State Ministry of Works is not an ‘interference’ in a federal initiative, as mischievously alleged, but a responsible and necessary step, rooted in his constitutional duty to safeguard the interests of the people of Ogun State,” the government said.

It concluded by vowing not to compromise on quality, stating, “The people of Ogun deserve roads that stand the test of time, not propaganda-driven distractions.”