Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, regards former state governor and Senator for Ogun East, Gbenga Daniel, as a respected leader, stating he continues to emulate him despite their recent political disagreements.
Abiodun expressed these comments in a video from last Friday at the funeral service of Mrs Sabainah Opawole, mother of Yeye Olufunke Daniel, at Ibara Baptist Church, Abeokuta.
Speaking to the mourners at the service, the governor candidly recognized Daniel’s impact on the state and offered high praise for the former governor.
“Your Excellency, the previous Executive Governor of Ogun State, the Honorable Senator for Ogun East Senatorial District, an individual I regard with great respect, whose path I am diligently mirroring, I am confident you concurwith me that,” Abiodun stated.
His comments follow several months of an extended political conflict between the two leaders regarding the Ogun East Senatorial District ticket of the All Progressives Congress as the 2027 general election approaches.
It was reported that the bond between Abiodun and Daniel, once seen as political partners, soured due to the APC’s choice to endorse the governor as the consensus nominee for the Ogun East senatorial position following his second term completion.
Daniel turned down the consensus agreement, demanding an open primary before ultimately exiting the race, referencing purported intimidation and safety issues.
The APC primary ultimately led to Abiodun being named the party’s candidate after he obtained 75,550 votes, whereas Daniel, who had declared his withdrawal, received 398 votes.
The burial service momentarily experienced political tension when PDP gubernatorial candidate Ladi Adebutu was asked to honor the deceased.
His backers started shouting, “Say Lado for 2027” and “Ogun for Ogun,” seemingly in favor of his gubernatorial aspirations.
Supporters of Hon. Wale Edun chanted slogans endorsing his 2027 governorship ambition, but were quickly answered by loyalists of Senator Solomon Adeola, who responded with chants in support of the senator’s own governorship bid.
The exchange briefly interrupted the church service until Daniel called for order, after which the programme resumed without further disruption.
The late Mrs. Opawole, who passed away about two weeks ago at the age of 93, was laid to rest in the presence of several notable political figures. Among those in attendance were Governor Dapo Abiodun; former First Lady Bola Obasanjo, representing 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 distinguished guests.
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