A rare display of political unity was witnessed in Abeokuta on Friday as former Ogun State Governor, Senator Otunba Gbenga Daniel, brought together leaders and supporters from rival political camps during the burial of his mother-in-law, Mrs Sabainah Ibironke Opawole.
The late Mrs Opawole, mother of Yeye Olufunke Daniel, was honoured at a ceremony attended by prominent political figures across party lines.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo was represented by his wife, Mrs Bola Obasanjo, while former Governor Ibikunle Amosun was represented by his wife, Chief Mrs Olufunso Amosun. Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun attended in person, alongside two leading contenders in the 2027 governorship race, Senator Solomon Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, and Hon. Oladipupo Adebutu.
The solemn atmosphere briefly gave way to political chants as supporters of Adeola and Adebutu promoted their preferred candidates inside the venue.
However, Daniel quickly intervened, reminding the congregation that they had gathered to honour his late mother-in-law and not to engage in political campaigns, restoring calm and preserving the solemnity of the occasion.
Observers noted that while supporters of both governorship hopefuls openly chanted for their preferred candidates, both camps also applauded and sang in honour of Daniel, reflecting his influence across political divides.
In another symbolic gesture, the former governor invited Governor Abiodun to escort Adebutu and Adeola to the dancing floor together, demonstrating that political rivalry should not undermine unity and mutual respect.
Speaking during the event, Daniel declined to endorse any aspirant or predict the outcome of the 2027 governorship election.
“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, but God knows who is going to be the next governor,” he said.
Tributes described the late Mrs Opawole as a woman of integrity, compassion and strong family values whose life positively impacted many people.
Representing former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Mrs Bola Obasanjo described the deceased as a woman of uncommon grace whose devotion built a lasting legacy across generations.
Governor Abiodun praised her as a disciplined and generous matriarch, saying her values were reflected in the life of her daughter, Yeye Olufunke Daniel.
Hon. Adebutu urged the family to uphold the values she left behind, while Senator Adeola said the late matriarch’s greatest legacy was evident in the achievements and character of the children she raised.
The burial ceremony ended on a note of unity, with political leaders and supporters putting aside partisan differences to honour the late Mrs Opawole, even as attention gradually shifts to the build-up to the 2027 governorship election in Ogun State.
