Gbenga Daniel Tribute marks the senator’s 70th birthday, celebrating his leadership, mentorship, and public service achievements

Olorogun Dr Sonny F. Kuku, The Ogbeni Oja Akile Ijebu, on Tuesday paid tribute to Senator Otunba Gbenga Daniel, widely known as OGD, as he marked his 70th birthday, describing the distinguished lawmaker as a “born leader” whose career spans engineering, politics, and business.

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Dr Kuku, who has known Senator Daniel personally for over 35 years as a younger friend and Aburo, highlighted OGD’s exceptional dedication, noting that he was born into a devout Christian family where hard work and morality were central principles.

From a young age, Senator Daniel pursued his goals with determination, seeking mentorship from renowned figures across multiple fields.

In engineering, OGD was mentored by the late Professor Awojobi, ultimately rising to become a Fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Engineering.

In politics, he trained under Chief Obafemi Awolowo and collaborated with Chief Abraham Adesanya, Ayo Adebanjo, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, becoming one of the youngest Awoists and a key member of NADECO.

His political apprenticeship culminated in two terms as Governor of Ogun State and his current role as a serving Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Senator Daniel also excelled in business, drawing inspiration from Otunba Subomi Balogun to establish the Kresta Laurel conglomerate, emerging as one of Nigeria’s most successful engineering entrepreneurs.

Dr Kuku emphasised OGD’s generosity, trustworthiness, religious devotion, charm, and sartorial elegance, noting his widespread influence across professional and personal spheres.

The tribute included a personal anecdote highlighting Senator Daniel’s compassion.

In the early 2000s, Dr Kuku faced longstanding exclusion from the Royal Court of Awujale Oba SK Adetona due to vendetta by some top ranking members of Balogun family, who gave poisonous briefing against him to Awujale due to their closeness to the revered late king.

He revealed that Senator Daniel waded in during the time Awujale wanted to confer the Otunba Obalofin title on OGD in 2007 and intervened to resolve the matter between him and Awujale, securing Dr Kuku’s reinstatement.

“Without OGD’s intervention, I might not be OGBENI OJA today,” he said.

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As Senator Daniel celebrates seven decades, Dr Kuku concluded, “May your days be long and your shadow never grow less. Happy and blessed 70th birthday.”