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Otunba Gbenga Daniel Reveals Why Road to Prof. Wole Soyinka’s Home Was Not Tarred During His Tenure

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Otunba Gbenga Daniel, the senator representing Ogun East District at the National Assembly, has disclosed why the road leading to the country home of the legendary Nobel laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, in Ogun State was not tarred during his tenure as governor.
Daniel, who governed Ogun State from 2003 to 2011, shared this during an event organised in honour of Prof. Soyinka’s 90th birthday in Isara Remo.
As chairman of the event, Otunba Daniel extolled the virtues of the Nobel laureate, highlighting his selfless service to humanity and his commitment to environmental preservation.
Daniel recounted an incident where Professor Soyinka declined the government’s offer to tar the road leading to his house in Abeokuta. Soyinka preferred the natural state to avoid noise and pollution, ensuring a habitat for local wildlife.
“When I visited Prof. in his house in Abeokuta, the road was not tarred and no air-conditioner; nothing. So I said, Prof., why don’t you put an air-conditioner? He said, ‘I want fresh air. Our fathers didn’t have air-conditioners and they lived long.’ So today that he’s 90, I’m not surprised. And I won’t be surprised if he goes on to 100 or 120.
“But the other thing was that I said, okay oga, let us come and tar this road for you. He said, ‘Don’t tar the road.’ I said, why? He said, ‘By the time you tar this road, vehicles will just be going up and down; this will lead to noise and pollution. I enjoy killing eiye aparo (partridge), and I aim my dane gun whenever I feel like it and shoot at eiye aparo and I have food to eat. By the time you tar this place, vehicles will be going up and down and eiye aparo will not be available any longer.’ That’s Professor Wole Soyinka, the naturalist,” Otunba Daniel narrated.
Ogidi Omo, as the former governor was fondly called, then went on to appreciate the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for naming a major street in Abuja and the National Theatre in Lagos after the professor.
In a surprising turn of events, the Isara market women honoured Otunba Daniel with various foodstuffs and insisted on taking pictures with him.
The grand event took place on Monday, 15 July 2024, at Afotamodi Town Hall, Isara-Remo, Ogun State.
It featured the presentation of a book titled Isara: A Voyage Around Essay and other educational materials to students by Prof. Soyinka’s children.
As the first black Nobel Laureate in Literature, Prof. Soyinka’s works and legacy continue to inspire generations, making the event a fitting tribute to his remarkable contributions to humanity.

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Senator Gbenga Daniel Mourns the Passing of Afenifere Leader, Pa Ayo Adebanjo

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Senator Otunba Gbenga Daniel has expressed deep sorrow following the passing of Pa Ayo Adebanjo, a prominent leader of the Yoruba socio-political organization, Afenifere. Senator Daniel described Pa Adebanjo as “one of our great leaders in Afenifere, one of the last Titans.”

In a statement released earlier today, Senator Daniel emphasized Pa Adebanjo’s unwavering commitment to his beliefs and his remarkable strength of purpose. He highlighted the late leader’s “exemplary” character and his “legendary oratory power.”

“It’s sad to hear the news of the passing of one of our great leaders in Afenifere, one of the last Titans, Pa Ayo Adebanjo,” Senator Daniel stated. “His ability to stand firm on his convictions and his strength of purpose for whatever he believed in was exemplary, as was his legendary oratory power.”

Senator Daniel further noted Pa Adebanjo’s adherence to the “old Awo stock in Yoruba ethos,” referring to the values of fairness, equity, and justice championed by Chief Obafemi Awolowo, a prominent Nigerian nationalist and leader. He stressed that these were the same values for which Pa Adebanjo “fought to his last breath.”

He acknowledged the significant loss Pa Adebanjo’s passing represents, not only for the Yoruba nation but for Nigeria as a whole. “Nigeria shall surely miss his invaluable contributions to our national discourse as we search for true federalism and statehood,” he said. He concluded by expressing his condolences to the people of Ogun State and the entire Yoruba nation, stating that they have “again lost another icon.”

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Senator Gbenga Daniel Mourns Passing of Alaperu of Iperu, Oba Adeleke Idowu

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His Royal Majesty, Oba Adeleke Adelekan Idowu, Basipo Odoru V, the Alaperu of Iperu in Ogun State, has passed away, marking the end of a 22-year reign.

He was a revered traditional ruler who played a vital role in the development of Iperu, fostering peace, cultural preservation, and economic growth.

Senator Otunba Gbenga Daniel, the lawmaker representing Ogun East Senatorial District, expressed deep sorrow over the monarch’s passing.

In his condolence message, he described Oba Idowu as a trusted confidant, friend, and advisor who provided invaluable guidance on many occasions.

He emphasised the immense loss the monarch’s passing represents for Remoland and Ogun State, acknowledging his significant contributions to unity and progress.

Oba Adeleke Idowu’s leadership saw significant progress in Remoland, and his influence extended beyond Ogun State, making a lasting impact on the region and Nigeria as a whole.

His death comes just over a year after the loss of his beloved wife, Olori Kehinde Idowu Basipo-Odoru.

As the good people of Iperu community and Ogun State as a whole mourn the loss of their monarch, tributes continue to pour in from across the country, recognising Oba Adeleke Idowu’s enduring legacy of leadership and service.

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Ogundimu Congratulates Opeifa As ex-Lagos Commissioner Is Appointed MD of Nigeria Railway Corporation

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Former member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Dr Oluyinka Ogundimu has sent a message of congratulations to the newly appointed Managing Director of the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC), Dr Kayode Opeifa.

Dr Opeifa, former Lagos State Commissioner for Transport was on Tuesday, 21 January, 2025, appointed the MD of NRC by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Ogundimu described the appointment of Opeifa as a great honour from President Tinubu not only for Agege people but also to Lagos State in general.

“We are very grateful to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. This is a great honour for us, not only in Agege but also to the entire state.

“With his vast experience and knowledge, there is no gain saying that the appointment of Opeifa confirms the President’s commitment to always putting round pegs in round holes in his bid to move the country to greater heights,” Ogundimu said.

He also expressed confidence in the ability and capacity of Opeifa to deliver at the highest level. “He has excel in this sector before. He was Commissioner for Transport in Lagos, he didn’t disappoint and has held other high profile assignments in the transport excelling in all of them. I have implicit confidence in him that he won’t disappoint on this one also,” Ogundimu said.

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