Sonny Kuku celebrates Gbenga Daniel’s 70th birthday, describing him as a born leader and recalling how he intervened in a critical moment of his life
Emotional Tribute as Sonny Kuku Celebrates Gbenga Daniel’s 70th Birthday
Sonny Kuku, the Ogbeni Oja Akile Ijebu, has paid glowing tribute to Gbenga Daniel as the former Ogun State governor marked his 70th birthday.
In a heartfelt message on Tuesday, Kuku described the senator, popularly known as OGD, as a “born leader” whose remarkable journey spans engineering, politics, and business.
Kuku, who revealed he has known Daniel for over 35 years as a younger friend and “Aburo,” highlighted his strong upbringing in a devout Christian home where discipline, hard work, and moral values were deeply ingrained.
According to him, Daniel demonstrated early ambition and a commitment to excellence, seeking mentorship from leading figures across different sectors.
In engineering, he was mentored by the late Professor Awojobi, rising to become a Fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Engineering.
His political journey, Kuku noted, was shaped by legendary figures such as Obafemi Awolowo, Abraham Adesanya, Ayo Adebanjo, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He described Daniel as one of the youngest Awoists and a key member of National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), whose political career culminated in two terms as governor of Ogun State and his current role as senator.
Beyond politics, Kuku praised Daniel’s achievements in business, noting that he drew inspiration from Subomi Balogun to build the Kresta Laurel conglomerate into a leading engineering enterprise.
He further described the celebrant as generous, trustworthy, deeply religious, charismatic, and stylish, with influence cutting across multiple spheres.
Recalling a personal experience, Kuku revealed how Daniel intervened during a difficult period in his life involving his exclusion from the royal court of the late Sikiru Kayode Adetona.
According to him, the issue stemmed from longstanding disputes fueled by influential figures within the Balogun family.
Kuku said Daniel stepped in around 2007, when the Awujale intended to confer the Otunba Obalofin title on him, helping to reconcile differences and secure his reinstatement.
“Without OGD’s intervention, I might not be OGBENI OJA today,” he said.
As Daniel celebrates seven decades of life and impact, Kuku offered prayers for his continued prosperity and longevity.
“May your days be long and your shadow never grow less. Happy and blessed 70th birthday.”
