Former Ogun State Governor and Senator representing Ogun East, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, has urged political actors and their supporters to embrace peaceful conduct ahead of the 2027 governorship election, insisting that only God knows who will emerge as the state’s next governor.
Daniel made the remark on Friday during the burial service of his mother-in-law, Mrs. Sabainah Ibironke Opawole, held at Ibara Baptist Church, Abeokuta, where supporters of governorship hopefuls Oladipupo Adebutu and Senator Solomon Adeola (Yayi) briefly engaged in rival chants.
Addressing the congregation, the former governor downplayed the incident, describing it as a normal feature of politics in Ogun State and assuring guests that the state’s political culture remains peaceful.
“Something tells me that by this time next year, someone in this gathering may have become the governor of Ogun State. I don’t know who that person will be. Maybe Governor Abiodun knows. Maybe Mrs. Adeola knows. Maybe Mrs. Adebutu knows. I don’t know, but God knows who the next governor will be,” he said.
Daniel maintained that political competition should not be allowed to breed violence, stressing that Ogun State has a tradition of conducting its politics with maturity and mutual respect.
He also appealed to supporters of both politicians not to turn the solemn church service into a campaign ground after chants of “Lado for 2027” by Adebutu’s supporters were met with counter-chants backing Adeola’s governorship ambition.
“We are here to pay our last respects to my mother-in-law. This is not the appropriate place for political campaigns or slogans,” Daniel cautioned.
In a symbolic display of unity, the former governor later invited Governor Dapo Abiodun to lead Adebutu and Adeola onto the dance floor, saying that despite belonging to different political parties, they remain members of one political family in Ogun State.
The burial service attracted several dignitaries, including Governor Dapo Abiodun, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, represented by his wife, Bola Obasanjo, former Governor Ibikunle Amosun, represented by his wife, Olufunso Amosun, Secretary to the State Government Tokunbo Talabi, as well as other political leaders.
During the service, tributes poured in for the late Mrs. Opawole, who was remembered as a devoted Christian, successful entrepreneur and compassionate matriarch whose values of faith, generosity and service left a lasting impact on her family and the wider community.
