Olorogun Dr. Sonny F. Kuku, the Ogbeni Oja Akile Ijebu, has paid glowing tribute to Senator Otunba Gbenga Daniel on the occasion of his 70th birthday, praising his enduring impact in leadership, mentorship, and public service.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Dr. Kuku described the former Ogun State governor, fondly known as OGD, as a natural leader whose accomplishments cut across engineering, politics, and business.
Reflecting on a relationship that spans more than three decades, Kuku noted that he has known Daniel for over 35 years, highlighting his upbringing in a devout Christian home where discipline, integrity, and hard work were strongly instilled.
He recalled that from an early stage, Daniel showed remarkable ambition and commitment, actively seeking guidance from respected figures in different fields.
In engineering, Kuku pointed out that Daniel was mentored by the late Professor Awojobi, rising through the ranks to become a Fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Engineering.
His political journey, he added, was shaped by his association with prominent leaders such as Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Chief Abraham Adesanya, Ayo Adebanjo, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. This exposure, Kuku said, helped position Daniel as one of the youngest adherents of Awoist ideology and an active participant in the pro-democracy movement, NADECO.
Daniel’s political career later saw him serve two terms as Governor of Ogun State, and he currently represents his constituency in the Senate.
Beyond politics, Kuku commended Daniel’s achievements in business, noting that he drew inspiration from Otunba Subomi Balogun to build the Kresta Laurel Group into a thriving engineering enterprise.
He further described the senator as generous, dependable, deeply religious, and widely respected, adding that his influence extends across professional and personal circles.
Sharing a personal experience, Kuku recounted how Daniel once intervened during a difficult period in his life. According to him, he had been excluded from the royal court of the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, due to a lingering family dispute.
However, during preparations for Daniel’s installation as the Otunba Obalofin in 2007, the senator stepped in and helped resolve the issue, leading to Kuku’s reinstatement.
“Without his intervention, I might not hold the title of Ogbeni Oja today,” he said.
As Daniel marks his 70th birthday, Kuku offered prayers for his continued health and longevity, wishing him many more years of impactful service.
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