Former Ogun State Governor and Senator representing Ogun East, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, has appealed for peaceful political engagement ahead of the 2027 governorship election, saying only God knows whether Senator Solomon Adeola (Yayi) or Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain Oladipupo Adebutu will eventually succeed Governor Dapo Abiodun.
Daniel made the remarks on Friday during the funeral service of his mother-in-law, Mrs Sabainah Ibironke Opawole, held at Ibara Baptist Church in Abeokuta.
The event attracted leading political figures across party lines but briefly witnessed a display of political rivalry after supporters of Adebutu and Adeola exchanged campaign chants inside the church.
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Present at the service were Governor Dapo Abiodun, former President Olusegun Obasanjo represented by his wife, Bola Obasanjo, former Governor Ibikunle Amosun represented by his wife, Olufunso Amosun, Senator Solomon Adeola, Oladipupo Adebutu, Secretary to the Ogun State Government Tokunbo Talabi, religious leaders and other dignitaries.
Reacting to the chants, Daniel dismissed fears of political tension, insisting Ogun remained a peaceful state where politics was played with maturity.
“Something tells me that by the time we come back here next year, somebody in this room would have become the governor of Ogun State. I don’t know who that person is, but God knows who is going to be the next governor,” he said.
Daniel also invited Governor Abiodun to lead Adebutu and Adeola to the dance floor to demonstrate that there was no hostility between the two politicians despite belonging to different political parties.
The atmosphere became charged after Adebutu delivered his tribute, as supporters of both camps exchanged chants promoting their preferred governorship aspirants.
The former governor quickly intervened, urging supporters to respect the solemnity of the funeral service.
“We are here to pay our last respects to my mother-in-law. This is not the appropriate place for political campaigns or slogans,” he said.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, represented by his wife, described the late Mrs Opawole as a woman whose life embodied faith, grace and selfless service.
Governor Dapo Abiodun praised the deceased as a disciplined entrepreneur, devoted Christian and caring mother whose virtues were reflected in her children.
Former Governor Ibikunle Amosun also honoured the late matriarch, describing her as a woman whose legacy extended beyond her immediate family.
Adebutu urged the family to preserve the values and legacy left behind by the deceased, while Senator Adeola said her exemplary life was evident in the achievements and character of her children.
Delivering the sermon titled The Alpha and the Omega, Rev. John Eyinnaya reminded worshippers that God remains actively involved in every stage of human life and urged Christians to place Him at the centre of their decisions.
