Tensions have escalated between the Ogun State Government and the Senator representing Ogun East, Gbenga Daniel, following reports that the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure ordered a halt to a road project in Sagamu.

Through his media aide, Steve Oloyede, Senator Daniel accused the state government of political interference, alleging that the “stop work” order on the Paddy-Arikawe-Oye-Igbimo Road project was driven by rivalry.

The state government, however, rejected the claim as “egregious falsehood.” In a statement by Governor Dapo Abiodun’s Special Adviser on Media and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, it clarified that the contractor, Minim and Tonye Nigeria Limited, was only asked to obtain clearance since the road falls under the state’s jurisdiction.

“No one can carry out repair work on a road without the necessary permission. That is why a state government intent on repairing a federal road must first obtain Federal Government approval,” the statement noted, adding that the directive was issued to ensure due process, as the road was already listed under the state’s infrastructure schedule.

The government further challenged critics to fault the letter from the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Yusuf L.O., which directed the contractor to suspend operations until proper approvals were secured.

Recalling precedence, it cited delays Ogun State faced in fixing the Abeokuta–Sango Ota road due to lack of clearance from then Minister of Works, Babatunde Fashola. It also referenced February 2025, when former lawmaker Adewunmi Onanuga sought state approval before embarking on rural road projects in Simawa, Irolu, and other communities.

Dismissing claims of political hostility as “mischief carried out on behalf of a drowning principal,” the government maintained that the matter was strictly procedural.