Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has praised former governor and Ogun East Senator Gbenga Daniel, describing him as a leader he holds in high esteem and saying he is closely following in his footsteps, despite months of political tension between the two men.
The governor made the remarks in a video that surfaced online from a burial service held last Friday for Mrs Sabainah Opawole, mother of Yeye Olufunke Daniel, at Ibara Baptist Church, Abeokuta.
Speaking at the event, Abiodun acknowledged Daniel’s contributions to Ogun State’s development and paid tribute to him despite their recent disagreements.
Addressing Daniel directly, Abiodun said: “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 comment comes after months of friction between Abiodun and Daniel over the APC’s Ogun East senatorial ticket ahead of the 2027 general election.
The two men were once seen as political allies within the APC, but their relationship soured after the party adopted Abiodun as its consensus candidate for the Ogun East seat, to take effect once he completes his second term as governor.
Daniel rejected the consensus arrangement and pushed for an open primary. He later withdrew from the race entirely, citing alleged intimidation and security concerns.
The APC went ahead with its primary, which Abiodun won with 75,550 votes. Daniel, despite his earlier withdrawal, was still recorded with 398 votes.
Political Chants Briefly Disrupt Burial
The burial was momentarily interrupted by political undertones when PDP governorship candidate Ladi Adebutu was invited to pay tribute to the deceased. As he spoke, some of his supporters chanted “Say Lado for 2027” and “Ogun for Ogun,” signaling support for his 2027 ambitions.
Supporters of Senator Solomon Adeola responded with songs backing his own governorship bid, briefly turning the church service into a scene of competing political camps. Daniel had to appeal for calm to allow the programme to continue.
Dignitaries In Attendance
Mrs Opawole, who died at age 93 about two weeks ago, was buried in the presence of several prominent figures, including Governor Abiodun, former First Lady Bola Obasanjo (representing ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo), Senator Solomon Adeola, Ladi Adebutu, former UK High Commissioner Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Ishola, Senator Iyabo Obasanjo, and Senator Shuaib Salisu.
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