Ogun Governor Abiodun Praises Gbenga Daniel at Burial Service

Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has praised former governor and current Senator for Ogun East, Gbenga Daniel. He said he respects Daniel and is following his example, despite their recent political issues.

Abiodun spoke in a video taken last Friday during the funeral of Mrs Sabainah Opawole, mother of Yeye Olufunke Daniel, at Ibara Baptist Church in Abeokuta.

While addressing those gathered, the governor recognized Daniel’s efforts for the state and paid him a heartfelt tribute.

“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.

This statement comes after a long political disagreement between Abiodun and Daniel over the Ogun East Senatorial District ticket of the All Progressives Congress ahead of the 2027 elections.

PUNCH Online reported that the bond between Abiodun and Daniel, once seen as political allies, weakened after APC named the governor as the consensus candidate for the Ogun East senatorial seat after his second term.

Daniel turned down this arrangement, calling for an open primary. Later, he withdrew from the race, citing intimidation and safety concerns.

In the end, the APC primary produced Abiodun as the party’s candidate with 75,550 votes. Daniel, who had stepped back, received only 398 votes.

The burial service also had moments of political tension. PDP governorship candidate Ladi Adebutu was invited to pay his respects. His supporters then started chanting, “Say Lado for 2027” and “Ogun for Ogun,” showing their support for his governorship plans.

This was quickly met with counter-chants from supporters of Senator Solomon Adeola, who sang in favor of his own 2027 governorship ambition.

These competing chants briefly disrupted the service until Daniel asked everyone to calm down, allowing the program to proceed.

Mrs Opawole, who passed away two weeks ago at the age of 93, was laid to rest with many notable political figures present. These included Governor Abiodun, former First Lady Bola Obasanjo, representing former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Senator Solomon Adeola, Ladi Adebutu, former Nigerian High Commissioner to the UK, Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Ishola, Senator Iyabo Obasanjo, and Senator Shuaib Salisu, among other dignitaries.