In a landmark ruling delivered by the Federal High Court, Abeokuta, presided over by Hon. Justice Abiodun J. Adeyemi, the Court has ordered the Ogun State Government and its key ministries to release critical documents and information relating to the 45-year Public-Private Partnership (PPP) agreement between Ogun State Government and ARISE Integrated Industrial Platforms (ARISE IIP).
This order follows a suit filed by Barrister Yemi Salman Esq on behalf of Dr. Ope Banwo and the Naija Lives Matter movement, demanding transparency on the Remo Economic Industrial Cluster project in Sagamu.
After a 7-month court battle initiated by Dr Ope Banwo’s Naija Lives Matter, The Court has now compelled disclosure on the Ogun State–ARISE IIP deal.
WHO THE COURT HAS COMPELLEDThe Court’s order applies directly to:
* Ogun State Government
* Honourable Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Ogun State
* Ogun State Ministry of Budget and Planning
* Ogun State Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment
These entities were all parties to the case and are now bound by the Court’s order to disclose information relating to the Ogun State–ARISE IIP PPP contract.
THE CONTRACT AT THE CENTER OF THIS CASEThis case revolves around: A 45-year Public-Private Partnership agreement Between Ogun State Government and ARISE Integrated Industrial Platforms (ARISE IIP)
For the development of the Remo Economic Industrial Cluster in Sagamu
Despite the scale and long-term implications of this deal, and direct requests to Dapo Abiodun and his government, Key details were deliberately not disclosed to the public.
Naija Lives Matter then briefed its Senior Attorney, Yemi Salman ESQ, to file Lawsuit against Dapo Abiodun and his govt for refusal to release all relevant documents as demanded under the FOIA Law
WHAT THE COURT HAS NOW ESTABLISHED
In its judgment, Justice Adeyemi and the Court made it clear that:
* The Freedom of Information Act applies fully to Ogun State Government
* The Ogun State Government and its Ministries cannot refuse disclosure without lawful justification
* The refusal by the Ogun State Government and its agencies to provide information on the ARISE IIP PPP agreement is subject to judicial scrutiny
* The Court declared it has the power to compel disclosure of information relating to public contracts such as the Ogun State–ARISE IIP agreement
In simple terms: The Ogun State Government cannot hide the details of its 45-year contract with ARISE IIP from the people.
FULL DISCLOSURE DEMANDED ON OGUN STATE–ARISE IIP DEAL
Following the Court’s order, Naija Lives Matter demands full compliance by the Ogun State Government and its Ministries with respect to the ARISE IIP PPP agreement, within 14 days as ordered by the court, including:
1. Full PPP Contract
Complete agreement between Ogun State Government and ARISE Integrated Industrial Platforms (ARISE IIP)
1. Identity of Investors
Names and ownership details of all investors in the ARISE IIP–Ogun State partnership, including “local investors”
1. Financial Structure of the ARISE IIP Deal
Full breakdown of funding, valuation, and capital contributions tied to the Ogun State–ARISE IIP contract
1. Land Allocation Under the PPP
Details of land allocated for the Remo Economic Industrial Cluster project under the ARISE IIP agreement
1. Procurement and Award Process
How the ARISE IIP contract was awarded by Ogun State Government and its Ministries
1. Community and Stakeholder Engagement
Records of consultations relating to the ARISE IIP industrial cluster project
1. Environmental and Impact Reports
All environmental and economic assessments tied to the Ogun State–ARISE IIP project
1. Internal Government Approvals
All memos, approvals, and decision-making documents within:
* Ministry of Budget and Planning
* Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment
* Office of the Attorney-General
STATEMENT FROM DR. OPE BANWO, CHAIRMAN/FOUNDER, NAIJA LIVES MATTER:
“This judgment by Hon. Justice Abiodun Adeyemi is a clear directive that the Ogun State Government must open up the details of its 45-year contract with ARISE Integrated Industrial Platforms.
This is not about speculation.
This is about the right of the people to know how a long-term agreement involving public resources was structured.
The Court has affirmed that this information cannot be hidden.”
OUR EXPECTATION FROM THE GOVERNOR
As we formally serve the Enrolment Order of the Court on the Ogun State Government today, we expect Governor Dapo Abiodun to:
– Respect the authority of the Court
– Comply fully and promptly with the order of disclosure
– Provide the requested information on the Ogun State–ARISE IIP 45-year PPP agreement without delay
CLOSING STATEMENT
This is a defining moment for Gov Dapo Abiodun and his government in Ogun state .
We believe the Governor has an opportunity to demonstrate that despite all the drama about him, he still respects rule of law by: Choosing transparency over secrecy; accountability over avoidance; respect for the rule of law over resistance because at this point Disobedience of a lawful court order is not just a legal issue… it is a public accountability issue.
And we at Naija Lives Matter are hopeful that Governor Dapo Abiodun will not add disregard for judicial authority to the list of questions already before the people of Ogun State. We expect all documents regarding the Ogun State–ARISE IIP project within 14 days as ordered by the court
“Governor Dapo Abiodun cannot sign a 45-year contract with ARISE IIP using public resources and then tell the public to mind their business. As we promised n September of 2025, Naija Lives Matter cannot allow that to stand . Our leaders must be accountable to the people. The Court has now agreed with us despite serious many preliminary objections by the govt and its team of lawyers who tried to muzzle us from insisting on accountability from our government .”
We hope other organizations fighting for transparency and accountability from our govts will be encouraged by this bold ruling to keep up the fight for justice in our nation.
So, The Court has spoken. The people are watching. The next move belongs to the Government.
Signed
Dr Ope Banwo (aka Mayor Of Fadeyi)
Founder/Chairman
Naija Lives Matter Organization.
