Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun
Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has described a former governor of the state and Senator representing Ogun East, Gbenga Daniel, as a leader he holds in high esteem, saying he is closely following in his footsteps despite their recent political differences.
He made the remarks in a video from last Friday during the burial service of Mrs Sabainah Opawole, mother of Yeye Olufunke Daniel, at Ibara Baptist Church, Abeokuta.
Addressing mourners at the service, the governor openly acknowledged Daniel’s contributions to the state and paid glowing tribute to the former governor.
“Your Excellency, the former Executive Governor of Ogun State, the Distinguished Senator representing Ogun East Senatorial District, a man who I hold in very high esteem, a man whose footsteps I’m closely following, I’m sure you agree with me that,” Abiodun said.
Senator Gbenga Daniel
His remarks come months after a prolonged political disagreement between both leaders over the Ogun East Senatorial District ticket of the All Progressives Congress ahead of the 2027 general election.
The relationship between Abiodun and Daniel, once regarded as political allies, deteriorated over the APC’s decision to adopt the governor as the consensus candidate for the Ogun East senatorial seat after the completion of his second term in office.
Daniel rejected the consensus arrangement, insisting on an open primary before later withdrawing from the race, citing alleged intimidation and security concerns.
The APC primary eventually produced Abiodun as the party’s candidate after he secured 75,550 votes, while Daniel, who had announced his withdrawal, recorded 398 votes.
The burial service itself briefly witnessed political tension when PDP governorship candidate Ladi Adebutu was invited to pay tribute to the deceased.
His supporters began chanting, “Say Lado for 2027” and “Ogun for Ogun,” apparently in support of his governorship ambition.
The chants were immediately countered by supporters of Senator Solomon Adeola, who responded with songs backing his own 2027 governorship aspiration.
The competing chants momentarily disrupted the church service before Daniel appealed for calm, allowing the programme to continue.
Mrs Opawole, who died about two weeks ago at the age of 93, was buried in the presence of several prominent political figures, including Governor Abiodun, former First Lady 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, among other dignitaries.
The Punch
