Senator Gbenga Daniel, the immediate past governor of Ogun State, has playfully described his successor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, as an "enfant terrible successor." Daniel made these remarks at his 70th birthday church service held in Sagamu on Monday, where Amosun was present.
Daniel, who served as governor for two terms from 2003 to 2011, recalled the intense political competition that marked the transition to Amosun's tenure, which lasted from 2011 to 2019. He stated that Amosun was overly eager to become governor and actively contested against him when Daniel sought a second term in 2007.
"Let me appreciate the former governors who are here today, especially the one they call Ajiri, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, enfant terrible successor of mine," Daniel said to the amusement of the congregation. "He gave me hell. We thank God that with the prayers of our clergymen, he is now repentant. Ibikunle, thank you very much."
Daniel further elaborated on their past rivalry, noting, "We started the race together, but you were too much in a hurry. That was all that happened. And I have told people that you are what we call Ajagungbade. You fought and won. There is nothing we can do about it."
When speaking to journalists after the event, Daniel expressed happiness and a sense of fulfillment. "I feel that I have not served the state in vain. I feel appreciated. Today is one of my happiest days," he stated.
Looking ahead, the senator affirmed his commitment to the welfare and progress of the people. "I have stood with them in the last 25–30 years of my life, and I have seen that, at the end of the day, they are a set of appreciative people. I’m happy that many of them have become important personalities in society. That gives me joy. So what I’ll continue to do is to continue to serve the people with the rest of my life," he added.
The birthday service was attended by notable personalities, including Osun State Governor, Senator Demola Adeleke; Ogun State Deputy Governor, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele (representing Governor Dapo Abiodun); the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo; the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rashidi Ladoja; and the Akarigbo of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi.
Also present were Daniel's senatorial colleagues, former appointees and aides, the former governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State, Ladi Adebutu, and Senator Iyabo Obasanjo, among other dignitaries.
Delivering the sermon, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, lauded Daniel as an "exceptional politician and original Omoluwabi." Adeboye highlighted Daniel's performance as governor, stating he was exceptional and did not politicize interactions with religious bodies, fulfilling all his promises promptly.
"If you are looking for an original Omoluwabi, Gbenga Daniel is one, and people like him are quite few," Adeboye remarked.
Drawing his message from Psalm 90:12, Pastor Adeboye urged attendees to be mindful of their time on earth and live wisely, as everyone will eventually account for their actions. He stressed the importance of a genuine relationship with God, identifying the fear of God as the foundation of wisdom.
Comments (0)
You must be logged in to comment.
Be the first to comment on this article!