Why Many Are Holding Their Breath As Burial Of Much-Loved Alaperu Basibo Gets Underway

The burial of respected king, Oba Adeleke Adelegan Idowu-Basibo, takes place today, Friday, February 21, 2025.

Oba Idowu, who joined his ancestors earlier this month on February 6, 2025, was the immediate past Alaperu of Iperu.

Iperu is the hometown of Governor Dapo Abiodun and the face of the main opposition party, Oladipupo Adebutu.

Adebutu, a chieftain of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), and Governor Abiodun, who administers the affairs of Ogun State on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), have remained rabid political enemies.

The two politicians, who never cease to use different opportunities to assert their superiority, will both be playing leading roles in different capacities at today’s burial of the king, whose reign flourished the town.

Many are holding their breath regarding expected happenings at the high-profile event, where Abiodun will play a more pronounced role as Governor and a Prince from a major ruling house.

Adding to the air of anticipation is the expected attendance of Senator Gbenga Daniel.

Iperu is part of the senatorial district of the former governor, whose political base, Sagamu, shares a border with the town.

Although he is a chieftain of the APC like Governor Abiodun, the two are embroiled in a political tussle that has become “personal.”

This is fueled by claims that Abiodun wants to take over the Ogun East senatorial seat from Daniel, who is intensely working towards securing a second term in 2027.

The senator is expected to attend the high-profile burial of the king he described as “worthy” in his condolence message.

The last time they attended the same event together—Remo Day on Friday, December 27, 2024—the politicians exchanged potshots that became the talk of the town.

“Many expect the politicians to observe great comportment in honor of the solemn event and out of respect for the Alaperu’s memory, but there is also the issue of their followers,” according to a source.

Unlike their principals, political supporters are known to exercise less restraint when dealing with opposition and perceived opponents of their leaders.