A political drama unfolded on Friday at the funeral service of the late Mrs Sabainah Ibironke Opawole, mother of Yeye Olufunke Daniel and mother-in-law of former Ogun State Governor and Senator representing Ogun East, Otunba Gbenga Daniel.
Supporters of key political figures across party lines turned the cathedral into a political rally of sorts.
What began as a solemn funeral service at Ibara Baptist Church, Abeokuta, soon took on a political colour, with Governor Dapo Abiodun, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Hon. Oladipupo Adebutu, and All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Senator Solomon Adeola (Yayi), sharing the same venue amid growing permutations ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
The atmosphere became charged when supporters of Adebutu and Adeola engaged in loud chants in praise of the candidates during the service, momentarily disrupting the proceedings.
When Adebutu was invited to pay tribute to the deceased, his supporters began chanting, “Say Lado for 2027” and “Ogun for Ogun.”
The chants were, however, countered by supporters of Adeola, who responded with solidarity songs in support of the senator’s governorship aspiration ahead of the 2027 election.
However, Daniel, often called OGD by his supporters, quickly moved to calm the situation, assuring the congregation that politics in Ogun State remains peaceful.
“While the service was ongoing, the pastors were a bit apprehensive because of our people who were shouting and singing, but I told them that there is nothing to be worried about,” Daniel said.
He added, “Something tells me that by the time we come back here, sometime next year, about this time, somebody in this room would have become the governor of Ogun State. I don’t know who the person is. Maybe the governor knows. Maybe Mrs Adeola knows. Maybe Mrs Amosun knows. Maybe Mrs Adebutu knows. I don’t know, but God knows who is going to be the next governor.
“But I can assure you that in Ogun State, this is how we play the game. There’s no violence.”
In a symbolic display of unity, Daniel later invited Governor Abiodun to lead Adebutu and Adeola to the dance floor, drawing applause from guests as the political rivals danced together.
He stressed that despite belonging to different political parties, the governorship hopefuls remain members of “one big political family” in Ogun State, reinforcing his appeal for peaceful political engagement ahead of the 2027 elections.
Daily Trust reports that the funeral service also reunited Daniel and Abiodun, who have been engaged in a simmering rift over the APC’s Ogun East Senatorial ticket.
Daniel pulled out of the APC primary at the eleventh hour, citing an alleged threat of violence by Abiodun and his supporters.
Both political leaders met at the funeral service for the first time since Abiodun won the APC Senatorial ticket.
Addressing the gathering, Abiodun jokingly referred to the senatorial contest, saying he wants to represent Ogun East as a senator like Daniel.
“His Excellency (referring to Daniel) came from a very strong private sector background, and so do I. His Excellency was the governor of this great state, so am I. His Excellency is representing Ogun East as senator, and so I will be, by the grace of God,” Abiodun said, throwing the congregation into laughter.
Abiodun, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, represented by his wife, Mrs Bola Obasanjo, former Governor Ibikunle Amosun, represented by his wife, Mrs Olufunso Amosun, Adebutu and Adeola separately paid glowing tributes to the late Mrs Opawole, describing her as a woman of faith, discipline, generosity and service.
Obasanjo said, “Mama was truly a woman in a million. Her life was a stellar example of devotion, grace and selfless community service.
“As a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, she built a lasting legacy of love and unity within the family. Her kind nature made her deeply loved by everyone who crossed her path.”
Obasanjo urged family members to take solace in the fact that Mama Opawole lived a life worthy of emulation and should therefore sustain the legacy of love and selflessness exhibited by the deceased during her lifetime.
Governor Abiodun described the deceased as an accomplished entrepreneur, disciplined leader and devout Christian whose virtues were reflected in her children.
“Mama was a very successful entrepreneur. She was disciplined, diligent, generous and selfless. She was a doting mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who extended her love even to those who were not biologically related to her,” he said.
The governor noted that one of the tributes described Mrs Opawole as “a woman of valour, virtue and an icon,” adding that she remained committed to God throughout her lifetime.
“Mama took great joy in reading the Bible and could recite many portions from memory even until her very last days,” Abiodun said.
He added, “Like they say, the fruit does not fall far from the tree. Our former First Lady exemplifies all the virtues of Mama.”
Amosun also described the late matriarch as a devoted Christian whose impact transcended her immediate family.
Amosun said, “Mama’s life was defined by steadfast dedication to her family, God and humanity.
“She will be remembered for raising children whose accomplishments and contributions to society reflect the quality of her nurturing, guidance and values.”
Adebutu urged members of the family to preserve the values handed down by the late matriarch.
Addressing Yeye Olufunke Daniel, he said, “I truly believe, as a person of faith, you know Mama has gone to a good place. Be encouraged to celebrate a life well spent.
“Please continue Mama’s legacy. She has bequeathed that to you and your family. We must continue the legacy of goodness our parents bestow on us.”
Delivering the sermon titled “The Alpha and the Omega,” the Vice-President (Ministerial) of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, Rev. John Eyinnaya, urged Christians to recognise God’s sovereignty throughout every stage of life.
Preaching from Revelation 1:8, Eyinnaya said, “God is the Alpha and the Omega of our lives. He is the beginning, the end and everything in between.”
He reminded the congregation that God remains actively involved in human affairs.
“My message is simple: God is more involved in your life than you think. He is more involved than you acknowledge and more involved than you sometimes recognise,” he said.
The cleric urged believers to cultivate reverence for God and make Him central to their decisions.
“There are people who live as though God is not part of the equation in their value system and decisions. That should not be said about any one of us. Live in recognition of God because from Him we came and to Him we shall return,” he admonished.
Responding, Daniel thanked all who came from far and near to celebrate the life and times of his late mother-in-law, describing her as a great woman of substance who would be sorely missed by family members.
The former governor also used the medium to calm frayed nerves as far as the 2027 governorship race in the state is concerned, saying that he was sure the election would be devoid of violence.
(Daily Trust)
