When Otunba Gbenga Daniel came out in 2001 to run for governor, many people didn’t take him seriously.
He was an engineer from the private sector who had never held any political position before.
People thought he didn’t stand a chance and laughed at his ambition. But he didn’t let their opinions stop him. He faced the challenge with determination, built one of the most organized and powerful political teams Ogun State had ever seen, and won the election.
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His campaign was built on a strong message: “The Man, The Bridge, The Choice.” And truly, that is exactly who he became.
OGD, as he is fondly called, was not just another politician. He came with fresh ideas and a sincere desire to serve. As governor, he woke up Ogun State from years of slow progress.
He brought in investors, built industries, and created opportunities for growth in areas like banking, factories, and education.
He made Ogun a state people wanted to invest in. Roads were built, schools were improved, and youths were empowered.
OGD didn’t just promise; he delivered. He turned Ogun from a sleeping giant into a shining example of what good leadership can do.
Even after leaving office, his desire to serve did not stop. As a senator, he continued to fight for the people, especially his own district in Ogun East.
One of the most challenging assignments he took on was the agitation for the creation of a new state for the old Ijebu Province; a dream that began as far back as 1976, the very year Ogun State itself was created.
Since that time, there had been constant talks, community demands, and efforts to achieve this goal. The problem was not a lack of qualification or population, it was disagreement within.
The Ijebu and Remo people, although from the same province, couldn’t agree on what to name the state or which town should be the capital.
Ijebu wanted Ijebu State with Ijebu Ode as capital, while Remo leaders wanted either Ijebu-Remo State or even Remo State with Sagamu as capital. This conflict slowed down the process for decades.
OGD stepped in once again; not as a politician chasing fame, but as a true leader and peacemaker. He started calling meetings with traditional rulers, elders, and key stakeholders.
He reminded everyone that the goal was unity and progress, not division. Slowly, with calmness and wisdom, he helped both sides come to an agreement.
Remo leaders agreed to support the idea of Ijebu-Remo State, as long as their identity was recognised in the name.
And after much discussion, all sides agreed that Ijebu Ode would be the capital, while Remo would be honoured in the name. This way, no one was left out.
It was a big win, one that only someone like OGD could achieve. He brought peace where there had been tension for years.
He showed again why he is called “The Bridge” because he connects people, he understands both sides, and he always finds a way to bring unity.
Recall in November 2024, OGD sponsored a bill SB 654; on the floor of the Senate, seeking constitutional amendment for the creation of the new state. It wasn’t just about talk anymore, real legislative work had begun.
Despite the political nature of the mission, it came at a huge personal cost.
OGD didn’t just invest his time and reputation, he spent millions from his personal funds, organizing peace meetings, transporting traditional rulers, setting up stakeholder summits, and running full advocacy campaigns.
It also came with deep emotional and psychological stress, because uniting two proud communities is never an easy task. But he kept going, driven by his love for the people and his passion for justice.
On July 4th and 5th, 2025, a public hearing was held by the Senate Committee on Constitution Amendment at the Watercress Hotel Event Centre in Ikeja, Lagos.
That venue became the ground where years of struggle found a voice. OGD stood before traditional rulers, human rights groups, lawmakers, and the general public.
He reminded everyone that out of Nigeria’s original 24 provinces, only Ijebu Province still had no state of its own. He called it an error of history that must be corrected.
It was never about one group winning over the other,” Daniel told the public. “It was about honoring our shared roots and moving forward together.
He backed his point with facts: the region has the fastest-growing industrial hub, rich mineral resources, an agro-cargo airport, and a large youth population.
He also announced that the Remo Traditional Council had agreed to support the creation of Ijebu-Remo State, as long as their identity was respected in the name; just like Akwa-Ibom was carved out of Cross River.
And even when there were fears that the disagreement between Ijebu and Remo could ruin the whole process again, OGD didn’t give up. He went back to the people, calmed their fears, and brought understanding.
Today, because of his tireless efforts, the dream of a new Ijebu-Remo State is alive again, stronger than ever.
Otunba Gbenga Daniel has shown over the years that he is not just a leader by title; he is a true servant of the people.
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He listens, he acts, and he unites.
He is the man who brought change, the bridge who connected divided hearts, and the choice who never gave up on his people.
His story is not just one of politics, but of purpose.
And generations to come will remember him as the man who made the difference when it mattered most.
Ojelabi, the publisher of Freelanews, is an award winning and professionally trained mass communicator, who writes ruthlessly about pop culture, religion, politics and entertainment.
