THE governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, has commended former governor and Senator representing Ogun East, Gbenga Daniel, describing him as a respected leader whose example he is striving to follow despite their recent political disagreements.
Speaking during the burial service of Sabainah Opawole, the mother of Yeye Olufunke Daniel, at Ibara Baptist Church in Abeokuta last Friday, Abiodun publicly acknowledged Daniel’s contributions to Ogun State and paid tribute to his leadership.
Addressing the congregation, the governor described the former governor as a man he holds in high regard, adding that he is closely following in his footsteps.
The remarks come months after a political rift between the two leaders over the All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket for the Ogun East Senatorial District ahead of the 2027 general election.
The disagreement stemmed from the party’s decision to adopt Abiodun as its consensus candidate for the senatorial seat after the completion of his second term as governor.
Daniel opposed the arrangement, insisting on an open primary before eventually withdrawing from the race, citing alleged intimidation and security concerns.
The APC primary later produced Abiodun as its candidate with 75,550 votes, while Daniel, despite announcing his withdrawal, received 398 votes.
The burial service briefly witnessed political tension when the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Ladi Adebutu, was invited to pay tribute to the deceased.
Some of his supporters chanted slogans backing his 2027 governorship ambition, prompting supporters of Senator Solomon Adeola to respond with chants in support of their preferred aspirant.
The competing slogans briefly disrupted the church service before Senator Daniel appealed for calm, allowing the programme to continue peacefully.
Opawole, who died at the age of 93, was laid to rest in the presence of several prominent dignitaries, including Governor Abiodun, former First Lady Bola Obasanjo, who represented 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 political leaders.
