As Otunba Gbenga Daniel—fondly known and widely referred to as OGD celebrates his 70th birthday, I join countless admirers across Ogun State and beyond in raising a warm and sincere tribute to a leader whose record of visible achievements continues to inspire. OGD has endeared himself deeply to me and many others through his sterling performance as Governor of Ogun State (2003–2011) and his ongoing service as the Senator representing Ogun East in the 10th National Assembly.
Our paths first crossed between 1998 and 1999 within the progressive family of the Alliance for Democracy (AD). At that time, I served as Political Assistant to the late Cicero, Chief Bola Ige, SAN, in Ibadan, while OGD was a prominent governorship aspirant from the Ogun State chapter of the AD. Even then, his seriousness of purpose, organisational ability, and commitment to the democratic project were evident. When subsequent political developments led him to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), where he contested and won the 2003 governorship election and successfully secured a second term in 2007, he translated that early promise into concrete governance outcomes that remain visible till today.
In my considered judgment as a professor of political science, OGD ranks next only to my ultimate political hero and icon, the late sage Chief Obafemi Awolowo, in the provision of visible and impactful deliverables in Ogun State since the return to civil rule. While many leaders have been long on promises, OGD was remarkably strong on execution, particularly in bridging the gap between urban centres and long-neglected rural communities.
Two achievements that stand out vividly for me are the bold rural road infrastructure and the rural electrification projects he delivered across the much-neglected Ijebu Northeast Local Government Area. The network of tarred roads ran through my own homestead in Ilumerin and connected adjoining communities such as Mewuro, Odedeyo, Eriwu, Oke Aye, Odosenlu Alaro, Atan, and several others. For the first time, many of these agrarian settlements gained all-weather access to markets, schools, and healthcare facilities. Complementing the roads was the extension of electricity from the national grid to these communities, with Ilumerin enjoying stable power supply from the national grid for the very first time. Hitherto, it was my illustrious grandfather, Bashorun Amos Meyungbe Onasemowo, who single-handedly and generously lightened up the community for several years with a giant diesel generator. OGD’s intervention brought modern, sustainable electrification that eased the burden on residents, powered small businesses, improved living standards, and reduced reliance on expensive and unreliable private sources. These projects were not mere ribbons of asphalt or wires; they were lifelines that stimulated economic activity and gave residents a genuine feeling of belonging to a developing state.
It is important to note, however, that these critical OGD rural development legacies — the roads and electrification infrastructure — now critically need rehabilitation and sustained maintenance to preserve their value and continue serving the people effectively. Such attention would ensure that the foundation laid two decades ago continues to support economic growth and improved quality of life in these communities. Such targeted rural development remains a model of inclusive governance that deserves renewed focus. OGD has paid his dues in this regard. As governor, he rehabilitated the farm settlements established by Awolowo in Ogun State as Premier of Western Region of Nigeria. He did the same with the blueprint of the first civilian governor of Ogun State, the late Chief Bisi Onabanjo, by implementing the multi-csmpus Master plan of Ogun State University (my alma mater) renamed Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye.
One thing that often leaves observers playfully confused is how to classify OGD’s personality. He seldom talks and almost always wears a rather shy, smiling look. One is tempted to label him an introvert. Yet he certainly speaks volumes with his actions and performance. Perhaps he is also “speaking” through strategic silence when many expect him to talk! In the end, his quiet demeanour has never diminished the loud impact of his governance record.
To underscore his avowed commitment to the Awoist philosophy as a disciplined disciple of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, OGD has remained an active and consistent member of Afenifere, the premier Yoruba socio-cultural organisation of Awolowo followers—of which I am also proud to be a member. His leadership style, policy choices, and public conduct have consistently mirrored the Awoist ideals of education, infrastructure, welfare, and principled service—embodying them not only in theory but also in praxis.
Our paths would cross again years later on the WhatsApp platform “Conscience of Yoruba Nation,” curated by Abagun Kole Omololu. This elite platform comprised the crème de la crème of Yoruba leadership — serving and past governors, deputy governors, ministers, ambassadors, icons of juju music, a mathematical veteran football player, first-class monarchs, bank owners, professors, and former vice chancellors, among others. Though OGD seldom commented on the platform, his intervention during the heated crisis of 2023, which eventually led to its liquidation, was memorable. When sharp divisions emerged among members over support or opposition to the presidential candidacy of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu (now Nigeria’s incumbent President), OGD weighed in with calm counsel, appealing for peace, amity, and the preservation of Yoruba unity. It was the measured voice of a statesman who places long-term harmony above momentary political differences.
At 70, OGD continues to serve with dignity and focus in the Senate, demonstrating that age, when backed by experience and integrity, remains a national asset. As a fellow Awoist and proud son of Ijebu Northeast, I celebrate not just the milestone but the enduring legacy of a leader who has walked the talk of progressive governance.
On this auspicious occasion, I wish Otunba (Dr) Gbenga Daniel, OGD, many more years of sound health, divine wisdom, and meritorious service to Ogun State, to Nigeria, and to mankind at large. May the developmental roads he opened and the lights he brought to his people receive the necessary attention they deserve and continue to lead him—and all of us—into greater seasons of impact and fulfilment.
Happy 70th Birthday, OGD!
The people of Ijebu Northeast and the entire Ogun East Senatorial District celebrate you.
Olufunmilade is a Professor of Political Science, and Director, Buratai Center for Contemporary Security Affairs Igbinedion University, Okada, Edo State, Nigeria, can be reached via femiology@gmail.com
