Reported by: Althiea .P | Edited by: Bornet .k
ABEOKUTA, OGUN STATE – Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has publicly described former Ogun State Governor and Senator representing Ogun East, Gbenga Daniel, as a leader he holds in high esteem, saying he is closely following in his footsteps despite recent political disagreements between them.
Governor Abiodun made the remarks on Friday, 17 July 2026, during the burial service of Mrs Sabainah Opawole, the mother of Yeye Olufunke Daniel, held at Ibara Baptist Church in Abeokuta, Ogun State. Speaking before mourners and dignitaries, the governor paid tribute to Daniel, acknowledging his contributions to the development of Ogun State.
Addressing the congregation, Abiodun referred to the former governor as a respected leader whose legacy continues to influence his administration. He described Senator Daniel as "a man who I hold in very high esteem" and stated that he was "closely following" in his footsteps, remarks that drew attention given the political differences that have existed between the two leaders in recent months.
The governor's comments come after a prolonged disagreement between both politicians over the All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket for the Ogun East Senatorial District ahead of the 2027 general election. The dispute emerged after the APC endorsed Governor Abiodun as its consensus candidate for the senatorial seat he is expected to contest upon completing his second term in office.
Senator Daniel rejected the consensus arrangement and called for an open primary election. However, he later withdrew from the contest, citing alleged intimidation and security concerns surrounding the party's nomination process. The APC primary eventually produced Governor Abiodun as its candidate after he secured 75,550 votes, while Daniel, despite announcing his withdrawal, recorded 398 votes.
The burial service briefly witnessed political tension when Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate Ladi Adebutu was invited to deliver a tribute. Supporters at the event began chanting political slogans backing Adebutu's reported 2027 governorship ambition, prompting supporters of Senator Solomon Adeola to respond with chants supporting his own aspiration for the state's top office.
The competing political chants temporarily interrupted the church service before Senator Gbenga Daniel appealed for calm, urging supporters to respect the solemn nature of the occasion. His intervention restored order, allowing the funeral programme to continue without further disruption.
Mrs Sabainah Opawole, who died at the age of 93, was laid to rest in the presence of several prominent political figures from across party lines. Those in attendance included Governor Dapo 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 distinguished guests.
Political observers say Governor Abiodun's public praise for Senator Daniel could ease tensions within the Ogun APC as political alignments continue ahead of the 2027 elections. However, neither leader has indicated whether the remarks signal a formal reconciliation, with both remaining influential figures in Ogun State politics.
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