Supporters of the governorship candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party and the All Progressives Congress in Ogun State, Oladipupo Adebutu and Solomon Adeola, respectively, engaged in political chants during the burial service of Sabainah Opawole, the mother-in-law of former Ogun State Governor, Gbenga Daniel.

The atmosphere changed when Adebutu was invited to pay tribute to the deceased at the burial service held on Friday at Ibara Baptist Church, Abeokuta.

His supporters began chanting, “Say Lado for 2027” and “Ogun for Ogun,” in apparent endorsement of his governorship ambition.

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.

The development prompted Daniel to intervene, urging supporters of both politicians to refrain from turning the church service into a political gathering.

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

He appealed to the supporters to respect the solemnity of the occasion and allow the service to continue peacefully.

Giving the vote of thanks, Daniel sought to calm frayed nerves over the 2027 governorship race, saying the election would be devoid of violence.

He said although supporters of Adebutu and Yayi chanted songs in support of their preferred candidates during the service, there was no cause for alarm because politics in Ogun State had always been conducted with maturity.

“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 was nothing to be worried about.

“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.

“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.”

Daniel later called on Abiodun to lead Adebutu and Yayi to the dancing floor to demonstrate that there was no love lost between the two politicians, adding that despite belonging to different political parties, they were members of one big political family in the state.

The burial service was attended by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, represented by his wife, Mrs Bola Obasanjo; former Governor Ibikunle Amosun, represented by his wife, Chief Olufunso Amosun; and the Secretary to the State Government, Tokunbo Talabi, among others.

Speaking earlier, Obasanjo described the deceased as a woman of uncommon grace, faith and service whose legacy would continue to inspire generations.

He 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.”

The former President 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 she exhibited during her lifetime.

Abiodun also described the deceased as an accomplished entrepreneur, disciplined leader and devout Christian whose virtues were reflected in her children.

Amosun described the late matriarch as a devoted Christian whose impact transcended her immediate family.

In his remark, Adebutu urged members of the family to preserve the values handed down by the late matriarch, while Adeola described the deceased as a woman whose exemplary life was evident in the achievements and character of her children.

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. (Saturday PUNCH)

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