Former Ogun State governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel says his silence on political matters in the state is not that he is afraid of anything but for the good people of the state to know who and who is more committed to the development of the state. He said this at the 80th birthday of Awujale in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State. Enjoy the interview…
You are one of the loyal sons of Awujale, how will you describe him at 80?
The Ijebus should be so proud to have a traditional ruler like Awujale. The reason I said so is because he is the longest serving Oba in Ijebuland, having reigned for over 54 years as the paramount ruler. Also, during his reign, Ijebu witnessed a lot of developments. He is the bridge between the Ijebu of those days and successful Ijebu of today, so Baba is an enigma, the engine room of Ijebu development. He is a good listener who is always passionate about how Ijebuland will grow from glory to glory. In fact, I wish him the best, I remember while we were in government, baba would come sometimes to Abeokuta to give his own contribution on how the state would move forward. He loves the state, I wish him many royal years ahead.
You have been silent on so many political issues, is this a deliberate decision or you are strategizing against 2015?
This is a funny question, what am I strategizing for?. After serving for eight years as the governor, one has to just face his own business and be giving advice on how things will work. One thing I know is that Ogun State belongs to all of us and we must not let the state down. Without any doubt, I can say I left a legacy in Ogun State which generation yet unborn will meet and commend me.
Some people are still very much confused on the party you belong to, could you brief us?
Go and make a research on the party I belong to, I believe it’s not about party but the possibility to make things happen in the best interest of the people.
Lots of your loyalists are still around with you, what is your view?
It is not about loyalty but oneness, if people of like-minds are together; their relationship will last but just wait for the right time to know whether I will be aspiring for one post or not.