- Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun publicly praised former Governor and Ogun East Senator Gbenga Daniel, describing him as a leader whose footsteps he is closely following.
- The complimentary remarks come on the heels of a public dispute between both APC leaders over the Ogun East Senatorial ticket, which produced Abiodun as the party’s candidate.
- The funeral service for Daniel’s mother-in-law briefly turned into a political arena as rival political camps chanted slogans for their preferred 2027 governorship candidates before Daniel restored order.
Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has publicly acknowledged former Governor and current Ogun East Senator, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, describing him as a leader he holds in high esteem and whose footsteps he continues to follow.
Eko Hot Blog reports that Governor Abiodun made the remarks during the burial service of Mrs. Sabainah Opawole, mother of former Ogun First Lady Yeye Olufunke Daniel, held at Ibara Baptist Church in Abeokuta.
EDITOR’S PICKS
- FG Partners With Chinese Investors To Secure Land For 10,000-Home Mass Housing Project
- Intelligence Materials Were Shared With US, Not Seized – DHQ
- Man Arraigned in Adamawa Over Alleged Abuse Involving Daughter
Addressing the congregation, Abiodun paid tribute to Daniel’s legacy of service in the state, offering a public show of respect despite their recent political fallout.
The reconciliation gesture comes after months of friction between both All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders over the Ogun East Senatorial District ticket ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The political alignment between Abiodun and Daniel strained after the state chapter of the APC adopted Governor Abiodun as the consensus candidate for the senatorial seat upon completing his second term in office.
Senator Daniel rejected the consensus arrangement, demanding a primary election before eventually withdrawing from the contest, citing security concerns.
The APC primary saw Abiodun secure the ticket with 75,550 votes.
The burial service also witnessed brief moments of political rivalry when Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate Ladi Adebutu was called upon to pay tribute to the deceased.
Adebutu’s supporters began chanting “Say Lado for 2027,” which immediately prompted counter-chants from supporters of Senator Solomon Adeola backing his own 2027 governorship ambition.
The competing political chants briefly interrupted the proceedings until Senator Daniel stepped in to appeal for calm.
Mrs. Opawole, who passed away at the age of 93, was laid to rest in the presence of prominent leaders across the political spectrum.
Among those in attendance were former First Lady Chief Bola Obasanjo, who represented former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Senator Solomon Adeola, Ladi Adebutu, former Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Ishola, Senator Iyabo Obasanjo, and Senator Shuaib Salisu.
