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” Why I celebrated my wife at 60”- OGD
Former Governor of Ogun State and distinguished Senator representing Ogun East, His Excellency Senator Otunba Engr Gbenga Daniel, FNSE, FAEng, recently made headlines for hosting a glamorous 60th birthday party for his beloved wife, Yeye Olufunke Daniel, in Lagos.
Recall that the luxurious celebration, which took place at the prestigious Balmoral Hall, Sheraton Hotel, captured the essence of love, resilience, and unwavering support that has defined the couple’s journey together.
The former first lady’s society birthday bash became the talk of the town a few weeks ago, drawing esteemed guests from Nigeria’s social elite, top traditional rulers, and influential political figures who converged at the renowned venue from across the country and beyond.
During a sermon titled “The Test of Faith,” delivered at Rev Esther Ajayi’s Love of Christ Generation Church during a Family Thanksgiving Service on Sunday, April 21, 2024, Senator Daniel recounted his personal journey of resilience amidst adversity.
He reflected on his trials at the hands of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the unwavering support of his wife throughout the ordeal.
In a powerful testimony, the senator highlighted the challenges faced by leaders in Nigeria’s political landscape, sharing his own experience of being declared wanted by the EFCC. Despite the adversity, he demonstrated accountability and integrity by surrendering himself to the authorities, setting an example of leadership accountability.
“Something is currently going on in Nigeria, and I’ve been seeing it on television. One of our governors is to be arrested, and all the apparatus of the government surrounded his house, but they were not able to arrest the governor.
“And I was wondering what has now happened to our world. Although I’m not justifying the police wanting to arrest him, I’m concerned about why it is difficult for him to surrender himself?
“Let me make myself an example. After serving my state for eight years, I can tell you that there is nothing else I knew how to do that I didn’t do to serve my people back then.
“I was going to attend a meeting in Ikenne when I was informed by the late Dr. Frederick Fasehun that EFCC had declared me wanted. So, I first went to Ikenne to tell them that I won’t be able to attend the meeting because I’ve been declared wanted.
“After which I went back to my office, and a few minutes later, my secretary came to inform me that some people are looking for me from EFCC.”
Otunba Daniel narrated that he told his secretary to allow them in, which they did and informed him that he has to follow them to Lagos.
“The point I’m trying to make is that between the time I heard the information, I can drive towards the border. But I went back and surrendered myself,” he explained.
Amidst the turmoil, Senator Daniel revealed the unwavering support of his wife, Yeye Olufunke Daniel.
He recounted the moment he informed her of his arrest, only to be met with her resolute response: “Wherever they’re taking you, we’re going together!”
According to the former governor, Yeye Daniel’s steadfast support and unwavering faith were evident throughout the eleven-year trial, during which she refused to celebrate her own birthday until her husband was acquitted of all charges.
“Yeye said, ‘I’ll not celebrate any birthday until you’re set free. We live together, I know you’ll not touch state money; unless you are spending your money for the state. So whatever they do, God will save you.’
“So for those eleven years until last year when I was discharged of any crime, Yeye refused to celebrate her birthday,” the former governor revealed.
The well-attended birthday celebration not only honored Yeye Daniel’s milestone but also served as a testament to the enduring love, resilience, and solidarity shared between the esteemed couple, Senator Gbenga Daniel and Yeye Olufunke Daniel.
In the same vein, the former governor has admonished political leaders to be cautious and not allow the positions they occupy to get into their heads.
While taking his lessons from the book of Daniel, Chapter 3, Otunba Daniel cited the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, the three Jewish men thrown into a fiery furnace by Nebuchadnezzar II, King of Babylon for refusing to bow to the king’s image.
“The Bible told us that those people who actually obeyed the king to do evil got burnt. But for Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, the fiery furnace didn’t touch them, which amazed Nebuchadnezzar. Even the king later agreed that there is a son of God that is powerful than any other human being,” he stated.
The senator reminded the public office holders that their terms are tenured for a maximum of 8 years so they should be circumspect while holding office because their own day of reckoning and judgment too shall come.
“For me, I have been tested in the crucible of fires and became stronger from that. I have no fears anymore because my own trials and tribulations had come and I passed the test,” Otunba Daniel said.
