DATKEM Demolition: Beyond Political Insinuations
Sentiments, hypocrisy and political sympathy are conjuctural connotations of governance, anywhere in the world.
The recent demolition of DATKEM Plaza, Folagbade Street, Ijebu Ode, belonging to the wife of the former governor of Ogun State, Mrs Olufunke Daniel, has indeed attracted different reactions within and beyond the gateway state.
It’s not unlikely, when issues of this kind occurs, there would be reactions which are often substantially dominated with sentiments and political sympathy. Unfortunately, the cardinal substance for the beauty of governance is narrowly or subjectively eroded.
Of course, a lot have been said about the demolition of the former governor’s wife. I ask, has any objective or fundamental views that led to the purported demolition been heard?
It is pertinent to establish a very open mind, hitherto objective perception whilst drawing a conclusion or raising any biased position on the development.
It is incontrovertible that demolition of any properties may seem so emotional. If one factors the financial implications and investment.
However, to draw a comparative advantage between the demolition of people’s properties and saving people’s lives, one can not but agrees to the fact that people’s lives must be prioritised above any other things.
No doubt, his excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun meant well for our dear state and I can imply categorically that the demolition of DATKEM Plaza, and other properties in the state were not politically motivated nor for any winch-hunting.
I am not a politician neither am I politically sympathetic to any political party but I am simply a social interventionist and political scientist with scientific, logical, objective assessment and evaluation of governance.
The demolition It is simply in the interest of the aesthetic nature of our dear State and which ordenarily should be encouraged.
Governor Abiodun has also made it categorically that if his personal property violates the physical planing policies should be demolished outrightly.
This is a very critical moment for us in Ogun State to separate governance from political sentimentalism and more importantly to be well abreast with trends of issues without any act of prejudice. The interest of our dear state needs to come first before any other things.
Hence, constructive and objective criticism that would bring impactful influence on the socio-economic development of our dear state should be more encouraged.
A prior notice, was served on DATKEM Plaza, just like every other properties that contravene the physical planing policies in the state.
However, I guess the noise about DATKEM, of course may not be unconnected to personality involved as the property of the former first lady of Ogun State.
Perhaps it also has to do with the perceptions of some individuals who are insinuating political rifts between his excellency governor Dapo Abiodun and former governor Daniel.
However, much as people are entitled to their opinions, I also want to crave indulgence, to shun all forms of political shenanigans, sympathy and partisanism. Let us embrace our common project (Ogun State)
Government goes and government comes but Ogun State remains permanent. Otunba Gbenga Daniel was former governor and his excellency governor Dapo Abiodun is the incumbent governor. By this time of 2027, it will be the turn of another person entirely.
So, let us all be bind with a common goal and support the the incumbent administration in Ogun State, in the interest of the state itself.
God bless Federal Republic of Nigeria and God bless Ogun State, my great state.
Adekunle Alaye, PhD
Doctor of Political Science.
