Only God knows next Ogun governor between Adebutu, Yayi, Daniel

Former Ogun State governor and current Senator representing Ogun East, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, has declared that the outcome of the 2027 governorship election in the state remains solely in the hands of God. Speaking at the burial of his mother-in-law, Mrs. Sabainah Ibironke Opawole, Daniel identified the primary contenders as Senator Solomon Adeola, also known as Yayi, of the All Progressives Congress, and Oladipupo Adebutu of the Peoples Democratic Party.

The event, held at Ibara Baptist Church in Abeokuta, was attended by prominent figures including former President Olusegun Obasanjo (represented by his wife), former Governor Ibikunle Amosun (represented by his wife), current Governor Dapo Abiodun, Adebutu, Yayi, and Senator Tokunbo Talabi, the Secretary to the State Government. During his vote of thanks, Daniel sought to calm nerves regarding the upcoming 2027 governorship race, expressing confidence that the election would be free of violence.

Daniel noted that the enthusiastic chants from supporters of both Adebutu and Yayi, while potentially concerning to some, were merely a display of political engagement played with maturity. "Something tells me that by the time we come back here, sometimes 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," he remarked, adding that he, along with others present, did not know the eventual winner, but "God knows who is going to be the next governor."

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Something tells me that by the time we come back here, sometimes 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 Gov Abiodun 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.

He assured the attendees, particularly the pastors who might have been apprehensive, that Ogun State plays politics without violence. "As a matter of fact, the pastors should be praying that they should be coming to church, so that you can pray for them and they can be like you. So, men of God, please don’t get unnecessarily worried," Daniel advised.

The political atmosphere became palpable when Adebutu was invited to pay tribute to the deceased. His supporters began chanting in support of his governorship ambition, which was met with counter-chants from Adeola's supporters. Daniel, however, called on Governor Abiodun to lead Adebutu and Yayi to the dance floor, symbolizing unity and demonstrating that despite their political differences, they belong to one large political family within the state.

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But I can assure you that in Ogun State, this is how we play the game. There’s no violence. As a matter of fact, the pastors should be praying that they should be coming to church, so that you can pray for them and they can be like you. So, men of God, please don’t get unnecessarily worried.