Armed Police Siege at Gbenga Daniel's Ijebu-Ode Home Sparks Political Tension
Armed police operatives on Wednesday laid siege to the Ijebu-Ode residence of former Ogun State governor, Gbenga Daniel, creating significant tension across the town. The incident disrupted a planned political gathering by his supporters, further escalating an ongoing feud within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State.
Security Cordon and Disrupted Rally
Heavily armed officers mounted a security cordon around Daniel's residence in the Obanta Club area within the Government Reserved Area (GRA) of Ijebu-Ode. An Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) was stationed at the scene, intensifying the show of force. According to sources, the police operatives blocked access to the venue, preventing a scheduled BATOGD Community Assessment and Review rally from taking place.
BATOGD, an acronym for Bola Ahmed Tinubu–Otunba Gbenga Daniel Movement, is a grassroots political platform supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's second-term ambition and Daniel's reported bid for the Senate in 2027. An aide to Daniel, who currently represents Ogun East Senatorial District in the Senate, confirmed that security operatives stopped members of the group from accessing the meeting venue.
"Police stormed the Obanta Club area and blocked access to OGD's residence to stop the BATOGD Community Assessment and Review Tour scheduled for today," the aide stated. As of press time, the police had not issued an official statement regarding the deployment, leaving many questions unanswered.
Deepening Political Rift
This development occurs amid a deepening political rift between Daniel and Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun. Just days earlier, tensions flared within the APC in Ogun East when Daniel was denied entry to a senatorial stakeholders' meeting held at Adeola Odutola Hall in Ijebu-Ode. The meeting, considered crucial for decisions on the party's senatorial ticket, turned rowdy after the former governor was stopped at the gate.
Governor Abiodun, who is also believed to be eyeing the Ogun East Senate seat, was reportedly endorsed as a consensus candidate during that meeting. This outcome is seen as a key trigger of the ongoing feud between the two political figures. Daniel has previously accused the governor of using state apparatus to target him, including alleging that the APC state executive unlawfully suspended him from the party.
A video circulating on social media captured the moment Daniel's convoy was blocked, with supporters appealing for his entry into the meeting venue. Addressing his followers, a visibly frustrated Daniel expressed his frustration, stating he had arrived early but was denied access.
"Today is our caucus meeting in Ijebu-Ode. I arrived early, but they told me I cannot go in. If any decisions are taken here without my participation, they will not stand," he said. At the time of reporting, Daniel remained locked out of the meeting, raising concerns over the legitimacy of any resolutions reached in his absence.
Police Response and Ongoing Concerns
When contacted, the spokesperson for the Ogun State Police Command, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, indicated that he would comment after obtaining full details of the incident. The lack of immediate official clarification has fueled speculation and anxiety among residents and political observers.
The armed police siege at Daniel's home underscores the volatile political climate in Ogun State, with implications for the upcoming 2027 elections. As tensions mount, stakeholders are calling for calm and transparency to prevent further escalation and ensure democratic processes are upheld.
