Last Sunday, 13th January, 2019, His Excellency, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, a former governors of Ogun State, who is now the Deputy Chairman (South) PDP Presidential Campaign Council, played host to the 14th edition of his annual thanksgiving & memorial service in Sagamu. It was a star-studded church service. Reception followed at his Asoludero Court, a few metres away. Below are the gist from the event.
ABOUT OGD’S OTHER SIDE
Many people do not know that OGD is deeply religious. It took the event for many to know this. He is. Beyond politics, he takes his Christian life serious. He is the Asiwaju of Remo Christians. And over the last 20 years, he has done a lot for the Christian community in Ijebu.
SERVICE HOLDS IN OGD’S CHURCH
As usual, this year’s Thanksgiving & Memorial, Service was held at Abrahams Tabernacle (Baptist International Worship Centre) on Oba Erinwole Awolesi Road, GRA Sagamu, in Ogun State. It is a church OGD built in 2011 in honour of his late dad, Pa Abraham. It is a Baptist Church. His dad was a Baptist Minister.
Abraham’s Tabernacle was built in honour of His Grace, The Most Rev. Abraham Adebola Daniel JP, father of OGD, who was Governor of Ogun State from 2003 till 2011.
Pa. Abraham Daniel had been a clergyman since 1945. Prior to that, he had established one of the most flourishing printing and typewriting companies then known as Irewolede Typing and Printing Institute in Ibadan. He was called into the Ministry; joining The Church of the Lord Aladura at Ogere with the late Dr. J. O. Ositelu. In the process, he pioneered several churches spanning the length and breadth of Nigeria including Benin City, Warri, Sapele, Ibadan, Port Harcourt, Idogo, Ifo, Abeokuta and across the West African sub region in Ghana, Sierra Leone and Liberia, where he became a great Christian brother of the then President Williams Tubman of Liberia.
What OGD’s Dad Told Him
Most Rev Daniel had always told little Justus Olugbenga Daniel that he was a special child of circumstance and that he would not die until Justus built a church for the Lord. He insisted that his children could join any denomination provided it is a Christian Church of God. Justus Daniel attended Baptist Boys High School in Abeokuta, where he became the School Organist and later the School Chaplain. He was also briefly the Officiating Student Pastor of Ilugun Baptist Church even as a student in BBHS.
He was later made Asiwaju of Remo Christian, while the late Matriarch, Mama HID Awolowo, was the Asiwaju Obinrin of Remo Christians. The last Asiwaju of Remo Christians before Gbenga Daniel’s Coronation was the late Sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
Abraham’s Tabernacle was officially dedicated on Sunday, 22nd May, 2011, in thanksgiving to God for the successful completion of his Otunba Gbenga Daniel’s eight (8) years tenure as Governor of Ogun State. Daniel has literally survived in the Lion’s den. That happened to be the one and only occasion when Pa Daniel worshipped in the Tabernacle. Eight months later, Most Rev. Abraham Adebola Daniel JP passed on peacefully in his sleep at the rip age of 95. The Abraham’s Tabernacle has since been handed over to the Nigerian Baptist Convention as the Baptist International Worship Centre.
LIST OF OFFICIATING MINISTERS
Most Rev’d, Dr. R. O. Ositelu – Primate TCLA, Worldwide, Rev’d, Dr. Moses O.Aransiola – The Gethsemane Prayer Ministries, Most Rev’d, Dr. M. O. Fape – Archbishop of Lagos ECC Province/Bishop, Remo Anglican Diocese, Rt. Rev’ d. J. O. Akinola – Methodist bishop of Remo Central, Rt. Rev’d, T. I. Omoniyi – Methodist Bishop of Remo Diocese, Rt. Rev’d. A. O. Ayodele – Presbyteria, Rt. Rev’d, B .R.F Ogunbanwo – Bishop of Ijebu S/West, Ang Diocese, Primate Bisi Ademosu – Odogbolu, Most Rev’d, Dr. Paul Onanuga – First African Church, Most Rev.’d A.O.Asogbon – Head Zion, Rev’d. Dr. Adewale Oyeniyi – President, Ogun Baptist Conference, Bishop Akin Akinsanya – State CAN Chairman, Super Apostle A Sanyaolu – National Officer OAIC, the Programme Coordinators are: Superior Evangelist Samson Masika – Remo North, Rev’d, Olalude Olajide – Ikenne, Rev’d, AO. Badejo (J.P.) – Sagamu LGA, Pastor Malato Ikuesan (J.P.) – Remo CAN coordinator. There were 2 facilitators, namely: Ven. A.A. Onajole, Rev’ d. Wale Sulola. The Host Pastor was Rev’d. Wale Sulola, of Abraham’s Tabernacle (BIWOC) (Nigerian Baptist Convention).
AYEFELE THRILLS
Yinka Ayefele was the main band of the day. Of course, he thrilled the guests, which included OGD’s wife and friends of Chief (Mrs.) Titi Abubakar who came to Sagamu with her entourage.
TITI ATIKU CAMPAIGNS FOR HUSBAND
Hajia Titi Atiku Abubakar is the most senior wife of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar. She came to represent her husband at the event. She was ccompanied by a large 40-member delegation. They arrived mid-way into the service, and called to speak. She gave a 25-minute speech. She urged Ogun State people, especially the Ijebus to vote for her husband. She called on women and Iya Olojas to rally round the PDP.
BUBA GALADIMA STORMS SAGAMU
The thanksgiving was politically star-studded. Many big names in politics came alll the way from Abuja. One of them was Pres. Buhari’s No 1 enemy and estranged friend, Alhaji Buba Galadima, who defected from APC to PDP last year. Galadima declared total war on Buhari and APC last year, saying they will lose the elections. He came with a few political bigwigs to honour OGD.
SEN. BURUJI STEPS OUT WITH WIFE
Anybody who has been attending parties of late would have noticed that Senator Buruji Kashamu, the Ogun East Senator has been visible with his wife, Susan, at social events. She is a pretty light-complexioned beauty from Osun State. Her mum is half-caste, while her dad is from Osun State. The union has produed 2 boys. So much in love is Buruji with his wife that he takes her everywhere he goes, even to political getherings. They came together to OGD’s event and both stayed glued to each other. Throughout the event, Buruji held on to his wife’s hand and he kept caressing it, all the time to show their love and affection.
IJEBU OBAS STORM EVENT
Give it to the Chief Host, OGD, he got all the Ijebu Obas (Kings) to attend the Thanksgiving. They were over 50. It was a roll-call of all the Obas who are members of the Ijebu Traditional Council. Perhaps, the only king who was conspiciously absent was the Awujale of Ijebuland, who on account of old age no longer attends parties. Don’t forget that OGD is one of Awujale’s Chiefs.
Beyond that, OGD is close to all the Obas in Ogun State. That is why whenever he invites them they all honour him. The attendance that Sunday was impressive. 99.9 percent as all Ijebu Obas attended. So, it was a galaxy of Kings. They all sat in a vantage position. They occupied the first 5 rows.
BETWEEN BURUJI & BEN BRUCE
Not many people know that both Senator Buruji Kashamu & Senator Ben Bruce are very close. They are. We can tell you that for free. Apart from the fact that both are serving Senators, they have been friends since 2015, when both entered the Senate. Since then, they have literally become Siamese twins. Any event you see Buruji, Ben Bruce would also be there. There is no party Buruji held that Ben Bruce didn’t attend. They came to Sagamu together. It was learnt that Ben Bruce holds Buruji in high esteem. His STV crew covered the event.
GNI EVER SO GENTLE
Everyone knows Gboyega Nasir Isiaka (GNI) as a gentleman who cannot hurt a fly. That’s why many people wondered what he is doing in politics. He looks gentle. He behaved in a gentle manner and he was softspoken. GNI is the Ogun ADC’s governorship candidate.
He was very visible at the service. OGD is his former Oga. He served under OGD when he was the Governor of Ogun State from 2003 to 2011. It was OGD, who lured him away from Banking into Politics. And he still remains loyal to his boss. Though, they are in different parties. OGD’s in PDP, GNI is in ADC.
Many of GNI’s party members stormed the event ahead of him. Also, some of those seeking elective offices came like former Speaker of Ogun Assembly, Hon. Titi Oseni and Engr. Ashiru.
TOYIN OKEOWO LOVES HIS SISTER
Toyin Okeowo is a popular Lagos businessman and a big auto merchant. His sister, Mrs Bisi Okeowo-Bolade, is the running mate of GNI in ADC. Both were at the service and he took her to the VVIPs to introduce her. He is supporting her ambition and that of GNI.
Toyin Okeowo is stupendously rich. Their late dad, Chief Gbolade Okeowo died a few years back exactly 8 days before his 100th birthday. He was close to Papa Adeboye and he lived inside the Redeem Camp in the later years of his life.
PETER OBI STORMS SAGAMU FOR OGD
Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and his running mate, Peter Obi, hold OGD in high esteem. He also respects them. Peter Obi stormed Sagamu that Sunday, 13th January, 2019, to honour OGD. He couldn’t make the church service, but came straight to OGDs house where the reception was held. He went round to greet guests and the crowd roared in applause.
CHURCH FILLED TO CAPACITY
Since it was opened in May 2011, Abraham’s Tabernacle has never witnessed the kind of crowd, it accomodated that Sunday. The church was filled to capacity. The close to 3,000 sitting-capacity church was bursting at seems as some guests sat outside, watching proceedings via video.
That was because apart from the VVIP, who thronged the event, members of so many choirs came. Delegations also came from many of the parties.
REV. ARANSIOLA DELIVERS
THE SERMON
Dr. Moses Olanrewaju Aransiola, the founder of Gethsemane Prayer Ministries in Ibadan delivered the Exhortation. He commended OGD for keeping the annual new year Sing Song Thanksigiving going for the past 14 years.
Many don’t know that the ministry of Dr. Moses Olanrewaju Aransiola has spanned more than 38 years, since God called him in 1979 to lead the Ibadan Varsity Christian Union (IVCU), then Africa’s largest campus fellowship, as President.
The following year, God also permitted him to lead the Nigeria Fellowship of Evangelical Students (NIFES), the world’s largest Christian students’ body as the National President. Dr. Aransiola also served the national body (NIFES) as its national prayer secretary for 6 years.
As a minister primarily called and ordained by God to be a revivalist, teacher and an intercessor, God found, through him, the Gethsemane Prayer Ministries. Today, the scope of the ministry is worldwide. Dr. Aransiola is an alumnus of the famous Haggi Institute for Advanced Leadership in Singapore. He ministers in, at least, 5 of the 6 continents of the world on a regular basis and has written over 100 world-class prayer books that have a world-wide readership. His ministry’s headquarters in Ibadan, Nigeria operates one of the world’s highest 24-hour prayer towers – the jubilee 7-Storey Prayer Tower Complex.
Dr. Aransiola is currently the national director of 2 National Prayer bodies: the “Nigeria Prays” – a National Prayer Mobilisation initiated by General (Dr.) Yakubu Gowon, Nigeria’s ex-Head of State, and the National Committee on Reconciliation and Prayer Mobilisation – Operation Gideon Mandate.
Rev’d. Aransiola has a Ph.D. in Fisheries and Aquaculture and was a University of Ibadan lecturer for many years before he voluntarily withdrew his services in 1994 to answer God’s call into a full-time prayer ministry. He is married with children.
PARTICIPATING CHOIRS
Over 8 choirs participated in the thanksgiving, rendering soul-lifting songs. They performed one after the other to thrill the congregation. The participating choirs were: Remo CAN Choir, Ijebu CAN Choir, Tabernacle Choir, Zion Choir, Nigerian Baptist Theological Seminary Choral Ensemble, Ogbomoso, New Wine Ensemble, Lifted Band & Choir Band, (which OGD founded when he was the Governor).
SALMOT BADRU IN ALL WHITE
Alhaja Salmot Badru was OGD’s Deputy Governor for 8 years. Over the years, no matter what, her loyalty remains with her boss and she has always been present for the thanksgiving. This year, she looked younger than her age in a beautiful white bubu lace with shoes and matching accessories.
EGBE JAGUNMOLU OBINRIN T SQUARE FULLY REPRESENTED
Ijebu age grade group, Egbe Jagunmolu Obinrin T Stainless, which was lead by Iyalode Oloruntoyin Amdalat was fully represented. Otunba Gbenga Daniel is the Baba Egbe of the age grade group, and they all came out to support their leader. As usual, the age grade group is known to be very stylish, they were beautifully dressed in onion pink lace and burgundy aso-oke to match.
MARKETERS ASSOCIATION OF IJEBU TOO
Male and female marketers of Ijebuland were not left out as they came out enmass with their Ankara aso-ebi to grace the event.
THE OLOORI REMOLAND IN BURGUNDY MONOTONE
All the Oloori of Remoland were fully on ground. They were all dressed in burgundy outfits from head to toe, looking stylish and the outfits stood them out among the congregation.
THE KINGS WHO CAME
The list of royal fathers present at the event was long. Among them were, Oba (Dr.) F. A. Adegbesan Onitasin Oputubuja-Hasin Imob, Oba G A Onafuwa J P Fesoshade 1 Oliworo of Iworo Ijebu, Oba T D Akinsaya Ewusi Makun, Oba Adewale Osiberu Elepe of Epe Sagamu, Oba Adeleke Idowu Basibo Alaperu Of Iperu Remo, Oba Olusanya Adegboyega Dosunmu Olowu of Owu, Oba Barr. Solagbade Tijani Alado of Ado Sagamu, Oba M S L Gisanrin Odofin of Soyindo Sagamu, Oba R A Sulaimon Alaiye of Aba Aiyepe, Oba Odumade John Onilaye of Ilaye Sagamu, Oba M D Oseni Alaka of Ilukan Aiyepe, Oba Emmanuel Ademola Olusanu Ajalaiye of Ilugun SouthIijebu, Sir Oba Samson Adekoya Adesanya, and Oba M Wole Oyediran. Others are: Ohilamokun of Yakoyo Osun, Oba J A Osunsanmi, Oba Engr. J B Otukoya Oligun of Ilugun North, Oba M A Adeniyi Elefire of Efire West Side, Oba B O Balogun Onirokun of Irokun, Oba Adebisi Okubanjo Obiri of Idobiri Aiyepe, Oba Barr. H R Tayo Oselu of Okeselu Sagamu, Oba Solomon Adekunle Oyenuga Alariye of Ariye Land, Oba Owodina Adebiru Oniraye of Iraye, Oba Barr. M O M Sonuga Olofun of Ilisha Remo, Oba Abdulwasiu Ademola Sobowale Olowu Aiyepe Ijebu, Oba Gbadebo Adewale 1 Akalako Aiyepe, Oba S T Ogunbowale , Oba Dr. Olasupo Yusuf Oba Aje of Yorubaland, Oba I O Adekoya Ayanyelu of Ijesa Ijebu, Oba M O Mosuro Olomu of Omu Ijebu, Oba Engr. Isiaka Olajide Ogirimadagbo of Ilode Ijebu Mushin, Oba Abdulrasheed Cossy Salami Saderere of Isonyi Ijebu, Oba Abdulrasaq Adeshina Adenugba Ebumawe Ago Iwoye, Oba Muyideen Olu Elesugbon of Esugbon Ijebu Mushin and Oba Omobola Nureni Odulaye Onifojege of Fogege land.
WITH LOVE FROM ABUJA
OGD’s friends from Abuja were not left out too. Those who made it were: Professor ABC Nwosu, Senator Ben Obi, Amidu Mohammed, Professor Maxwell Gigado , Arch. Babi Isimi, Dr. Natt Naduma, Hon Wole Oke, , Senator Abiodun Olujimi, Engr.JJide Adeniji, senator grace bent, Chief Buba Galadima, Senator Lee Wiaba, Dr Anwa Awanu among others.
ABOUT THE KING WHO LEADS REMO CHORAL
Remo coral choir was among the competitors of the choir competition. The choir was lead by Oba Mesha Oyewole Oyediran, the Olulamoko of Yakoyo, in Osun State, last year before he became a king, and he was an organist during the OGD’s annual thanksgiving. Remo choral came second in this year’s competition.
AMBASSADOR
FOLAKE MARCUS BELLO GOES BLUE
Nigeria’s former ambassador to Malawi and Zambia, Ambassador Folake Marcus Bello, is known to attract attention with her unique style of dressing. She was and still one of OGD’s loyalists. She went all her ways in a blue suede designed with sequined blue blue and white aso-oke, she sat on the front roll with Ogun former Commissioner for youths and sports, Bukola Olopade otherwise known as Ozogula.
ROLL CALL
Chief Bode George, Senator Okunroumu, Arch. Tokunbo Fowode, Chief Mrs. Iyabo Apampa, Ronke Ogunremi, Jelili Kayoed Amusan, Hon. Lade Adebutu, Gboyega Nasir Isiaka and Wife, Senator Buruji Kasamu and Wife, Kolawole Bajomo, Bukola Olopade, Eddy Olafeso, Otunba R. A. Adenaike, Kola Sorinola, Hon. Femi Gbajabilamila, Engr Seyi Makinde, Otunba Adewale Wesco, Chief Alex Duduyemi, Senator Ben Bruce, Senator Ayo Otegbola, Chief Kola Ogunjobi, Senator Ayo Otegbola and a host of others.
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