Her Excellency, Yeye Olufunke Daniel, wife of former Governor of Ogun State and the Senator representing Ogun East in the upper chamber, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, has been described variously as kind hearted, fashionable, resourceful, intelligent and very beautiful.
It was at her 60th birthday held at The Balmoral @ The Sheraton Hotel on Saturday 23rd March, 2024. For her, greatness, nobility and personage are a perfect mix. She is indeed an exemplar of the ideal wife and an archetypal mother. That day, her husband and the children threw a grand birthday for her. Everyone had nice things to say about this beautiful woman who was born into the family of Pa Samuel Ajibola Opawole and (Mrs.) Ibironke Opawole (nee Osoba) on November 27,1963. She began to show, early in life, unmistakable signs of a woman destined to live in the dormitory of the kings. She demonstrated unequalled diligence at whatever she had to do and this quality did not only stand her out among her peers, it equally distinguished her in her academic career. Yeye, as she is fondly called, had her post primary education at the Baptist High School, Iwo, Osun State, where she yielded to the discipline and the scripturally sound Baptist education, which further moulded her vision of life and sharpened her mission of human existence.
Etching her nibble footprints in the sands of time, the school authorities were quick to notice her leadership qualities as she was made the School’s games and athletic prefect in her final year. The Daniel’s love for sports still continues till date as manifested in the array of “keep-fit” gadgets available at the swimming pool side of their residence.
For someone who believes in the might of education, she enrolled at the School of Basic Sciences at the Ogun State Polytechnic, now Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, in Abeokuta for her Advanced Levels course and later proceeded to University of Ibadan, where she graduated in flying colours with a Bachelors of Science degree in Agricultural Biology. At the University, the school authorities acknowledged her exemplary qualities and made her the Health Minister of Queen Elizabeth Hall in 1985.
After graduating from the ‘Great UI’, she served her fatherland through the mandatory one year National Youth Service Corps programme. She thereafter worked with Lever Brothers (Nigeria) Limited and, after years of meritorious service, decided to go into private business. She then established Laurel Fashion, a high-riding outfit of which she is currently the Chief Executive Officer.
Yeye also designs what her husband, OGD, wears. “ Although fashionable by all standards, Chief (Mrs) Daniel has perfected the strategy of being fashionable in a non-gaudy and simple way – she loves good cloths and dressing well but she prefers wearing pearls and beads rather than gold.
Yeye Olufunke is personification of humility, a feature sometimes missing in some other women of achievements. As attested to by friends, staffers and domestic workers, they unanimously agreed that she is a paragon of virtue, unobtrusive and accommodating.
As an exemplar of the ideal wife and quintessential mother, little wonder that she loves her family most devotedly and passionately. “ … My husband is my best friend and I love to be with my kids always …” she said during in an interview.
For her, being a wife has been very wonderful as it gave her the opportunities to take care of her husband and cater for the children. Despite the fact that there were good cooks at the Government House during his husband’s reign as the governor of Ogun State, Yeye still finds her way to the kitchen.
She revealed in an interview:
Like Mama H.I.D. Awolowo, she accompanied OGD on his campaign efforts prior to 2003 election in Ogun State. Together, they visited all the 236 wards in Ogun State as she coordinated all the women – groups in the Peoples Democratic Party. While in office as the First Lady between 2003 and 2011, she touched the lives of many people, most especially Ogun State indigenes, through the activities of the Gateway Front Foundation -a socio-economic programme aimed at alleviating poverty in the society.
The activities of the Gateway Front Foundation includes Micro-credit schemes, Free Medical Services, distribution of educational materials and trade empowerment tools and support for the physically challenged.
She is the Matron of Webic Choir and holder of a number of chieftaincy titles among which is the Yeye Fesojoye of Ile Ife, Yeye Fehintade of Omu Ijebu, Yeye Obalofin of Ijebuland, Yeye Asoludero of Makun, Sagamu, Suada of Ifo, Yeye Atunluse of Ogbere and Yeye Akogun of Okun Owa.
At her leisure, she enjoys watching TV and ruminating on how to improve on whatever she does.
Her husband, children, family members had nice things to say about her, as you can see below.
Yeye Olufunke @ 60
Remains my ever glowing diamond and diamonds are forever.
– OGD
On your 60th birthday, Mom, I celebrate not just the passage of time but the enduring grace and strength you’ve displayed through every season of life. Your love and wisdom continue to inspire and shape us all, making every moment richer with your presence.
-Rotimi Daniel
On this special day, we honor a remarkable woman – our beloved mother, a beacon of love, wisdom, and grace. As you celebrate 60 years of life, your nurturing spirit continues to inspire us all. Your strength, kindness, and selflessness are gifts we cherish every day. Here’s to a lifetime of memories shared and a future filled with love and happiness. Happy 60th birthday darling mama.
-Adebola Daniel
‘Congratulations on your diamond jubilee birthday celebrations darling mummy. May you continue
to excel in all that you do in Jesus name.’
– Taiwo Daniel
Dear Mum,
Thankful for 30+ years of solid memories with you. For your love, your teachings, your protection, for setting standards. Teaching me to be patient, kind, hardworking and an excellent woman of resources amongst many other lessons. Thank you for being an incredible mother and grandmother; the best any girl can hope for. May God bless you, honour you, grant you unlimited peace, joy and abundance everyday in Jesus name, Amen.
Our queen today, a queen tomorrow.
A First Lady today, a First Lady forever. Ageless and forever young.
I love you mum!
-Kehinde and Ariola Adebola-Williams
Dear Mum,
Thank you for being a true abiyamo.
For your unconditional love, your sacrifices, your wisdom and grace. Thank you for being a glue and pillar
on the family.
As you turn 60 today I pray that God’s grace continue to be available unto you.
May you continue to grow in wisdom and honor.
May your barns be full and your wells run over.
May God protect all that matters to you and the things that give you joy, never be taken away from you.
Though you are always seemingly content, may God answer your innermost prayers in Jesus name, amen.
-Adebola Williams
Happy 60th Birthday to my sensational Mother. Your love, wisdom, and grace have shaped our lives in countless ways. Today, we celebrate you-our guiding light, our rock, our source of endless love. May this milestone year be filled with joy, laughter, and cherished memories. Here’s to many more years of happiness and love.
Your loving Son, Mayowa Daniel
To the most precious gem, and an amazing Mum. You are a woman of inestimable value, and I am so lucky and blessed to have you. You have welcomed me with open arms and being your daughter fills me with pride and joy. Cheers to sixty more years in love, laughter and good health! I love you Mummy!
-Morenike Daniel
“Mummy, your love, wisdom, and unwavering support make you a true blessing to our family.”
– Nefisa and Timileyin Daniel
Yeye Olufunke Daniel remains an amiable woman of substance @ 60 but looking like 30, I adore you.
– Mr. Yele Daniel.
YEYE is a living embodiment of a virtuous wife and mother. Thank you for providing the enabling environment and the needed support which makes it easier to serve His Excellency with ease.
Bestwishes@60.
– Dr. Babatunde & Oluwaseun Onadeko
We celebrate our own highly valued mother, Her Excellency Yeye Olufunke Daniel on her 60th Birthday celebration and pray for more joyful years in Jesus name, Amen.
-Hon. John & Mrs. lara Obafemi
Happy Birthday to you Yeye. May this be an auspicious season of deep joy, peace, and happiness. May you look back with joy on the years of your life and with hope for those to come. Thank you for all the years of support and encouragement. Have an amazing day.
-Soji & Biodun Akin-Bankole
Happy 60th birthday to a truly beautiful sister, Yeye Olufunke Daniel.
You are intentionally and exceptionally crafted by God Almighty to be a light bearer in this generation.
You are always appreciated.
-Dr (Mrs) Anuoluwapo Bankole.
Yeye Olufunke Daniel can be likened to Abeagel in the Bible. A virtuous and unassuming woman with great wisdom. Her humane disposition to people and members of OGD political family reflects high understanding of life.
As you mark 60 today, continue to grow from strength to strength and soar like an eagle. Keep enjoying God’s Grace and Mercy. Congratulations Yeye.
-Rev (Gen) Olumuyiwa Okunowo rtd.
Dear Yeye,
Not once have you failed to welcome me into your home with warmth in the last 13 years that I have had the rare privilege of working closely with His Excellency. Even my wife cannot stop talking about your calmness, generosity and simplicity in elegance.
On your 60th, we pray that your joy will overflow. Your children’s children shall surround your table praising the Lord with you all the days of your life.
– Fadekemi & John Adenekan.
Happy Diamond Jubilee to an exquisite woman of beauty Yeye Olufunke Daniel. An amazing wife to our leader OGD and a super mum. May your days be long ma. God keep you for us all. Lots of love.
-Doja Alien
Happy birthday Your Exceliency Yeye Olufunke Daniel. You have indeed been a mother to us all. Congratulations and many happy returns Ma.
-Kehinde Ojo
We celebrate the Matriarch of the Daniel family @ 60, Her Excellency: Yeye Olufunke Daniel, an Amazing mother to a” of us, ever caring and truly Adorable woman of substance. The Mercy & Grace of GOD ALMIGHTY shall be sufficient for you always, Happy Birthday& Very Many Happy returns.
-Keji & ‘Tunde Obadina
To an enigmatic, virtuous mother who has been a pillar of support and guidance, as you enter the realm of diamonds, May God’s grace never cease in your life.
Happy Birthday, Your Excellency.
-Boladale Adekoya
Happy Birthday to Yeye, a woman of grace, a virtuous woman.
At this women’s month, your life has proven that women can be whatever they desire to be with dedication and service to humanity. You are a blessing to your generation. I love you Yeye.
-Abiodun Essiet and your grandchildren
Happy 60th birthday mommy, thank you for extending your hands of love and care towards me.
-Yusuf JUNAID.
I have worked with my boss, His Exc. Otunba Gbenga Daniel for more than 20 years. We often describe him as one of the most intelligent and the best people around with a solution to almost everything. That description appears charitable, especially when you have been around long enough to know that my boss also has a boss who gives quiet command, solving most of our very complex problems while appearing not to utter a single word.
Yeye Olufunke Daniel is the Senior Advocate of all members of the OGD Political and Administrative Family. When you are in Yeye’s corner of affection your line of defense is heavily fortified, and her protective weapon is one of a permanent smile, never angry posture. Sophisticated, yet with her, everything have always appeared very simple. Her simplicity slices through a” the complex political realities that we face and decisions that we make on a daily basis.
A dutiful wife, Yeye has always provided the most compassionate but practical last solution, that looks so simple, but eminently enduring and lightens our final resolve. It is to Yeye’s credit all” the welfare empowerment programs for people, before, in and outside of government; her concept of giving is genuine as she owns the concept of giving food to the people. Her belief is that no matter what empowerment that you are doing, please don’t let the people go hungry.
-Steve Oliyide
Happy 60th Birthday to an Accomodating, Understanding and Caring Mother, who appreciates peace in all ramifications.
-Abbey Choice Band.
Happy birthday to our dear quintessential Yeye @ 60. May the good lord bless you with felicity, fidelity, fecundity, vitality, longevity and robust health. Thank you always for your warmth and kind heart.
Cheers to another 60 years!!!
– Dr. Opeyemi & Dr. (Mrs.) Ebunoluwa Asaolu.
Tribute to my beloved sister @60.
Yeye Olufunke Daniel is more than my Oga’s wife to me just as she is more than a wife to my Oga. Yeye is my sister and most respected friend in whom the whole Dideolu Falobi clan is well pleased.
In 35 years of knowing Yeye, I have never had a single reason to fault her in respect of her relationship with my family & I. Rather, she has always left me confused about how she could be so caring and loving despite my own limitations which are many. In my relationship with my equally beloved Oga, her husband, she is a stabilizing force, quietly and unobtrusively ensuring that all the building blocks of her husband’s phenomenal success are not undermined or destroyed.
Yeye is also generous to a fault, she is humble and she is genuine in her expression of love. She also does not take prisoners when she feels the need to express her reservations.
When I look at my Oga, mentor and brother and I watch from a close quarters the roles of Yeye in his chequered career especially in politics, I know that he is extremely fortunate to have a woman as patient, persevering and understanding as Yeye on his side. He should especially thank the almighty God for Yeye’s commitment to the Family which has made their children such wonderful men and women. I know that Yeye must also be grateful to God for having a man of the vision and devotion to the realization of his vision as His Excellency, Otunba Gbenga Daniel in her corner. Such a wonderful and blessed couple indeed.
Today, as Yeye celebrates her 60th birthday, my family and I are pleased to congratulate and wish her a happy birthday and many happy returns in good health, sound mind and with unlimited grace.
Thankyou Yeye Asoju-Oba of Ijesaland for all you are and stands for.
Congratulations once again.
– Engr. Dideolu & Yeye ‘Deola Falobi
The full image of HE Otunba Gbenga Daniel is not complete without Yeye’s beautiful smile and feminine figure beside him. Anytime critical thinking is required and Yeye’s suggestion comes to the table, you can be sure that the best solution flows in from her. I learnt a lot about who a woman should be to a great man like my principal, she is more than a mother, she is a worthy mentor to all. Space will not permit me to say more. Yeye @ 60, I wish you all the best and many years to breathe life into the OGD dynasty.
Otunba Femi Davies
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