Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has publicly praised former Governor and Senator representing Ogun East, Gbenga Daniel, describing him as a respected leader whose example continues to inspire his leadership despite their recent political disagreements.
Abiodun made the remarks during the burial service of Mrs. Sabainah Opawole, mother of Yeye Olufunke Daniel, held at Ibara Baptist Church in Abeokuta. A video from the event, which has circulated online, captured the governor paying tribute to Daniel and acknowledging his contributions to Ogun State’s development.
Addressing the former governor, Abiodun said he holds Daniel in high regard and considers himself to be following in his footsteps.
The governor’s comments come months after both politicians clashed over the All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket for the Ogun East Senatorial District ahead of the 2027 general election.
The political disagreement began after the APC endorsed Abiodun as its consensus candidate for the senatorial seat following the completion of his second term as governor. Daniel opposed the arrangement, insisting that the party should conduct an open primary to determine its candidate.
Daniel later withdrew from the race, citing intimidation and security concerns. The APC eventually conducted its primary election, with Abiodun emerging as the party’s candidate after polling 75,550 votes. Daniel, despite his earlier withdrawal, was recorded with 398 votes.
The burial service also witnessed a brief political interruption when supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Ladi Adebutu, began chanting campaign slogans in support of his 2027 ambition after he was invited to pay tribute to the deceased.
The chants were met with counter-slogans from supporters of Senator Solomon Adeola, creating a brief disruption during the church service. Gbenga Daniel intervened, urging both groups to remain calm and allow the funeral proceedings to continue peacefully.
Mrs. Sabainah Opawole, who died at the age of 93, was laid to rest in the presence of several prominent personalities, including Governor 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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