Daniel, Abiodun Pause Supremacy Tussle As Gov Enjoys Uncommon Banter With Ladi Adebutu

An unusual political moment unfolded on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at the Remo Day celebration in Sagamu, as Governor Dapo Abiodun and Senator Gbenga Daniel appeared to momentarily pause their long-running supremacy tussle.

The Ogun State governor, on arrival at the venue, surprised many by extending a rare handshake to Daniel, with barely a word exchanged, before turning to engage in a brief but hearty banter with another fierce rival, Ladi Adebutu.

The scene played out at the VIP section during the welcome honours for the governor, with the Akarigbo of Remoland, Oba Samuel Ajayi, present.

Abiodun’s gesture toward Daniel was widely described as uncommon. Since their rift erupted, both leaders have largely avoided public engagement, often snubbing each other at official functions, with encounters few and far between.

“Abiodun has been especially steely in keeping to his lane, so the gesture on Saturday caught many by surprise,” an observer noted.

At the heart of their deep-seated quarrel lies a high-stakes contest over the next political dispensation in Ogun East.

Abiodun is widely believed to be eyeing the senatorial seat, while Daniel is determined to retain it. Both are prominent figures within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Adebutu, meanwhile, remains the leading figure of the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State.

A serial governorship contender, he has been Abiodun’s most relentless challenger since 2019 and came close to unseating the governor in 2023 before a late surge secured Abiodun’s second term.