Gbenga Daniel Trends Over What He Did At Adewunmi “Ijaya” Onanuga’s Burial

The Senator representing Ogun East, Gbenga Daniel, is trending.

A major power in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Daniel is on the lips of many over what he did at the burial of Adewunmi Onanuga, the Deputy Chief Whip of the Federal House of Representatives, famously known as “Ijaya” (The Fearsome One) or “Adewunmi Ijaya.”

The federal lawmaker, whose popular saying “Ijaya tó ní fọkanbalẹ” (The Fearsome One with Peace of Mind) earned her the nickname, passed away on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, after a brief illness. She was buried on Friday, January 24, 2025.

Daniel, who holds the religious title of Asiwaju (Leader) of Remo Christians, participated in a significant part of the Islamic burial rites for Onanuga.

The former Governor of Ogun State (May 29, 2003, to May 29, 2011) performed the Salat Al-Janazah for Onanuga.

This part of the burial rites, the funeral prayer, is a special congregational prayer offered for the departed soul by Muslim faithful seeking Allah’s (God’s) mercy and forgiveness.

The prayer, performed in a standing position—without bowing (ruku’) or prostration (sujood)—saw the Senator joining ranks with Muslims to provide a good start to the afterlife for Adewunmi Ijaya, whom he described as a confidante, a younger sister, and an unwavering ally.

The strong show of religious tolerance by the Senator, who also holds the title of Grand Patron, Christian Council of Nigeria, has become the talk of the town.

However, those familiar with the ways of the son of Christian leader, Most Reverend Adebola Daniel, are not surprised by his participation in the Salat Al-Janazah for Onanuga.

They say the Senator, popularly known as OGD (Otunba Gbenga Daniel), has always exhibited religious tolerance for as long as many can remember. They insist his other religious recognitions—Aare Musulumi (Leader of Muslims) of Ipokia and Amuludun Adeen of Ikija, Abeokuta Muslim Community—testify to this.