By Lukman OMIKUNLE
Residents and indigenes of Apunren-Ijebu have praised Senator Gbenga Daniel for his intervention in the long-running military land dispute, describing him as their “angelic friend” who restored hope and peace.
Apunren-Ijebu Community Hails Gbenga Daniel as ‘Angelic Friend’ Over Military Land Dispute Intervention
Indigenes and residents of Apunren-Ijebu in Ogun East Senatorial District have paid glowing tribute to former Ogun State Governor and Senator representing Ogun East, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, describing him as their “angelic friend” whose intervention brought renewed hope and progress in a land dispute that has troubled their communities for nearly five decades.
In an emotional appreciation letter, the community commended Senator Daniel for standing by them during one of the most difficult periods in their history, when residents faced the threat of eviction and demolition arising from a long-running dispute with the Nigerian Army over land around the Sappers Barracks in Ijebu-Ode.
The letter, titled “Appreciation, Encouragement and Appeal for Continued Support on the Military De-Acquisition,” was written by His Royal Highness, Oba Jimson Owode Oyelaja, Gbadewolu, Ilufemiloye I, the Alapunren of Apunren-Ijebu, on behalf of the community and other adjoining communities.
For years, the dispute cast a shadow over Apunren and several adjoining communities, with thousands of residents living under the constant fear of displacement. The crisis escalated earlier this year when about 16 communities reportedly received demolition notices over allegations of encroachment on military land, triggering anxiety among families and threatening livelihoods, education and social stability.
Expressing gratitude to the senator, the monarch said Daniel became the first political leader to genuinely identify with the plight of the affected communities and take practical steps toward finding a solution.
“We must first thank you for breaking through to give us a voice when no one else did in Ogun State. At a time when our cries appeared unheard and our pains overlooked, you became the first political leader to genuinely identify with our plight and take concrete steps toward a solution,” the letter stated.
The community noted that while Daniel currently carries significant national responsibilities as a senator, he still found the time and commitment to champion the cause of ordinary people facing hardship in remote communities.
“We were not entirely surprised because that is the Otunba Gbenga Daniel we have always known — grassroots-oriented, responsive, proactive, compassionate and committed to delivering results for the people. What surprised us, however, was that despite your lofty responsibilities in Abuja, you still found the time, energy and concern to put tyres on the road in search of ordinary people in the inner communities who needed help,” the letter added.
Residents credited Daniel’s intervention and the involvement of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions for bringing national attention to the long-standing land de-acquisition issue. They said the invitation extended to community representatives to engage with federal authorities in Abuja, as well as subsequent discussions with military officials, restored confidence that a lasting resolution could be achieved.
“Through your intervention and the involvement of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, our long-standing military land de-acquisition matter received the attention it deserved,” the community wrote, adding that the engagements had rekindled hope that portions of the affected land would ultimately be released.
The impact of the intervention has been visible on the ground. Months of legislative engagement spearheaded by Senator Daniel led to mediation efforts that brought community leaders and military authorities to the negotiating table, significantly easing tensions and halting further demolitions.
One of the breakthrough meetings was attended by senior military representatives, including the Chief of Logistics, Major General A.A. Adeyinka, who represented the Chief of Army Staff. The engagement signalled a willingness by both parties to embrace dialogue and pursue a peaceful resolution rather than confrontation.
Community members said the intervention came at a critical moment. Before mediation efforts gathered momentum, some structures had already been demolished and many families feared they could lose their homes entirely. Residents warned that mass displacement would have disrupted children’s education, destroyed businesses and livelihoods, and potentially created wider social challenges.
The monarch said Daniel’s actions restored faith in public leadership and reassured residents that justice remained attainable through committed public service.
“Your actions restored confidence where despair had begun to set in. You assured us that responsible leadership still exists and that justice can still find expression through committed public servants,” the letter stated.
The community also expressed disappointment over the outcome of recent political developments that prevented Daniel from securing another term in the Senate, describing him as a leader known for seeing projects through to completion.
“Having known you as a leader who sees projects through to completion, it was painful to witness the events that unfolded and the unfair narratives that accompanied them. Nevertheless, we encourage you to remain steadfast and assured that your good works continue to speak for you in the hearts of many people whose lives you have touched,” the letter read.
Despite their appreciation, the residents appealed to the senator not to relent in his efforts, urging him to continue engaging relevant authorities to ensure the immediate resumption and successful completion of the military land de-acquisition process.
“Our earnest desire is to see the matter brought to a successful conclusion as your God-given accomplishment through your hands and tenure, for posterity, before the last quarter of this year, so that affected families and communities can finally experience certainty, stability and peace,” the community appealed.
Describing Daniel as their “Distinguished Senator and Angelic Friend,” the residents reaffirmed their support, prayers and goodwill, expressing confidence that his contributions to society would continue to transcend political office and leave a lasting legacy across Ogun East and beyond.
Read the Letter Here: APUNREN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION
