Society
Gbenga Daniel, Dapo Abiodun In First Handshake Amid Raging Quarrel
had their first handshake in years of open quarrel
The Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, and the Senator representing Ogun East, Gbenga Daniel, had their first handshake in years of open quarrel.
The rare happenstance transpired at the installation ceremony of Chris Funlola Okunowo as the Asiwaju—leader—of Ijebu Christians on Saturday.
The event was held in Ijebu Ode, a part of Ogun East, on December 7, 2024.
Senator Daniel and Governor Abiodun joined other high-net-worth individuals to witness the occasion that officially made Okunowo the successor of the late Subomi Balogun, who had elevated the title to high prominence.
Abiodun and Daniel have been enmeshed in an unbridled face-off for about four years.
The intensity of the quarrel—reported to have roots in actions and inactions linked to events after Abiodun was sworn in for his first term in 2019—is highlighted by the partial demolition of a property belonging to the Senator’s wife for environmental infractions by the state government.
The property was sealed off but later reopened based on a court order, with Abiodun insisting that “nobody is above the law.”
The Governor and Senator had shunned each other at events or refused to attend the same occasions until Saturday’s meeting at the installation ceremony of Okunowo—where they had their first handshake in months.
