The religious service turns political as supporters of Yayi and Adebutu clash at the funeral service

….The former governor urges supporters to respect the solemn funeral ceremony

…He says only God knows the next governor of Ogun

Daud Olatunji

A solemn funeral service for the late Mrs Sabainah Ibironke Opawole, mother-in-law of former Ogun State governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, briefly turned into a political arena on Friday as supporters of the main contenders in the 2027 Ogun State governorship race exchanged campaign slogans inside the church.

The development unfolded during the funeral service held at the Ibara Baptist Church, Abeokuta, where political heavyweights from all parties had gathered to honor the late matriarch.

The atmosphere became charged when the candidate for governor of the People’s Democratic Party, the Hon. Oladipupo Adebutu, was invited to pay homage to the deceased.

Almost immediately, his supporters began chanting “Say Lado for 2027” and “Ogun for Ogun,” openly calling for support for his gubernatorial ambition.

The chants were promptly countered by supporters of the All Progressives Congress governorship candidate, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, who responded with chants of solidarity in support of the Ogun West Senator’s bid to succeed Governor Dapo Abiodun in 2027.

The exchange of political slogans momentarily overshadowed the solemn occasion, prompting Daniel to intervene and restore calm.

Addressing the congregation, the former governor urged supporters of both politicians to respect the sanctity of the religious service and refrain from turning the burial into a political campaign ground.

“We are here to pay our last respects to my mother-in-law. This is not the place for political campaigns or slogans,” Daniel said.

In an apparent move to quell the growing political tension, Daniel called on Governor Dapo Abiodun to lead both Adebutu and Adeola to the dance floor, insisting that despite belonging to different political parties, they remain members of one political family in Ogun State.

Earlier in his remarks, Daniel warned against overheating the political system ahead of the 2027 gubernatorial election, arguing that only God knows who will ultimately emerge victorious.

He said although political supporters have every right to express their preferences, elections in Ogun have traditionally been conducted without violence.

“Something tells me that when we come back here next year, someone in this room would have become the governor of Ogun State. I don’t know who the person is. Maybe Governor Abiodun knows. Maybe Mrs Adeola knows. Maybe Mrs Amosun knows. Maybe Mrs Adebutu knows. I don’t know, but God knows who the next governor will be.

“In Ogun State, this is the way we do politics. There is no violence. Herdsmen should not be worried because this is our democratic culture,” he added.

The burial attracted a number of prominent personalities, including Governor Abiodun, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, represented by his wife, Mrs. Bola Obasanjo, former Governor Ibikunle Amosun, represented by his wife, Chief Olufunso Amosun, Secretary to the Ogun State Government, Mr. Tokunbo Talabi, and other political leaders.

In separate tributes, Obasanjo described the deceased as “a woman in a million” whose life embodied faith, grace and selfless service, while Governor Abiodun hailed her as a disciplined businesswoman and devout Christian whose virtues were reflected in her children.

Former governor Amosun also paid tribute to the late matriarch, describing her as a woman devoted to God, family and humanity.

Adebutu urged family members to uphold the legacy of kindness and service left by the deceased, while Adeola said his exemplary life can be seen in the achievements and character of his children.

Delivering the funeral sermon titled “The Alpha and the Omega”, the Vice President (Ministerial) of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, Rev. John Eyinnaya, reminded the faithful that God remains sovereign over every stage of life and should be at the center of every human decision.

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