Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has publicly praised former Governor Gbenga Daniel, saying he holds him in high esteem and is following in his footsteps despite their recent political disagreements
Gov. Dapo Abiodun Hails Gbenga Daniel, Says He’s Following His Footsteps
Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has publicly paid glowing tribute to former governor and Senator representing Ogun East, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, declaring that he holds him in high esteem and considers him a leader whose footsteps he is closely following despite their recent political differences.
Abiodun made the remarks during the burial service of Mrs Sabainah Opawole, mother of Yeye Olufunke Daniel, at Ibara Baptist Church in Abeokuta last Friday, in what many observers see as a significant public gesture following months of political tension between the two influential Ogun politicians.
Addressing mourners, the governor openly acknowledged Daniel’s leadership and contributions to Ogun State, saying: “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.”
The remarks come against the backdrop of a prolonged disagreement between the two leaders over the All Progressives Congress’ Ogun East senatorial ticket ahead of the 2027 general election.
The once-cordial political relationship between Abiodun and Daniel deteriorated after the APC adopted the governor as its consensus candidate for the Ogun East Senate seat upon the completion of his second term in office.
Daniel rejected the consensus arrangement, insisting that the party should conduct an open primary. He later withdrew from the race, citing alleged intimidation and security concerns. The APC primary eventually produced Abiodun as its candidate after he polled 75,550 votes, while Daniel, despite announcing his withdrawal before the exercise, recorded 398 votes.
The burial service also witnessed a brief moment of political drama when the Peoples Democratic Party governorship candidate, Ladi Adebutu, was invited to pay tribute to the deceased.
His supporters responded with chants of “Say Lado for 2027” and “Ogun for Ogun,” signalling support for his governorship ambition. The chants were quickly met with counter-slogans from supporters of Senator Solomon Adeola, who also declared support for his own 2027 governorship bid.
The competing chants briefly disrupted the solemn church service before Daniel intervened, appealing for calm and restoring order, allowing the programme to continue without further incident.
Mrs Opawole, who died about two weeks ago at the age of 93, was laid to rest 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, Senator Shuaib Salisu and other dignitaries.
