Former Governor of Ogun State and current Senator representing Ogun East, Gbenga Daniel, has opened up about his turbulent political relationship with his successor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, describing the period as one where he “went through hell” under what he called his “enfant terrible” successor.
Daniel, speaking on Monday during his 70th birthday thanksgiving service at Abraham’s Tabernacle in Sagamu, said the rift with Amosun stemmed from the latter’s eagerness to assume the governorship, adding that no one could halt his ambition.
“Senator Ibikunle Amosun showed me hell,” Daniel said. “But by God’s grace and with the prayers of our clergymen, we have moved past it.
“Today, we are focused on working together for the development of Ogun State and our nation.”
The thanksgiving service drew a high-profile audience, including the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye; former President Olusegun Obasanjo, represented by his wife, Bola Obasanjo; Governor Dapo Abiodun, represented by Deputy Governor Noimot Salako-Oyedele; Osun State Deputy Governor Kola Adewusi; former Governor Amosun; and prominent traditional rulers such as the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, and Alake of Egba land, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo.
Recalling their shared political journey, Daniel noted that he and Amosun were initially allies, with Amosun representing Ogun Central in the Senate during Daniel’s first term as governor from 2003 to 2007.
However, a struggle over the governorship ahead of the 2007 election strained their relationship. Amosun eventually left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to contest against Daniel on the platform of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) but lost.
Amosun ultimately succeeded Daniel in 2011 after defeating Daniel’s preferred candidate, Gboyega Isiaka, and launched a probe of the outgoing administration, leading to corruption charges against Daniel.
After years of legal battles, Daniel was discharged and acquitted of all 15 charges.
Daniel, who represents Ogun East in the Senate, used the occasion to thank attendees for their support over his 25-year political career and urged Nigerians to back the administration of President Bola Tinubu, describing the country’s future as “bright.”
Pastor Adeboye, who ministered at the event, praised Daniel as “an exceptional politician and original Omoluwabi,” noting his integrity and long-standing commitment to public service in Ogun State since 1983.