Supporters of Senator Solomon Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, and Peoples Democratic Party governorship hopeful Ladi Adebutu turned a funeral service into a political contest on Friday as they exchanged campaign slogans in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The incident occurred during the burial service of Mrs Sabainah Opawole, the mother of Yeye Olufunke Daniel and mother-in-law of former Ogun State Governor, Senator Gbenga Daniel, at Ibara Baptist Church.
Mrs Opawole passed away about two weeks ago at the age of 93.
Among those in attendance were Governor Dapo Abiodun, Mrs Bola Obasanjo, who represented former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Senator Adeola, Adebutu, former Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Ishola, Senator Iyabo Obasanjo and Senator Shuaib Salisu.
The atmosphere became politically charged after Adebutu was invited to pay tribute to the late matriarch.
His supporters responded by chanting, “Say Lado for 2027” and “Ogun for Ogun,” in support of his governorship ambition.
The chants were quickly met with counter-slogans and solidarity songs from supporters of Senator Adeola, who also backs a 2027 governorship bid.
The exchange briefly disrupted the church service before Daniel intervened.
“We are here to pay our last respects to my mother-in-law. This is not the appropriate place for political campaigns or slogans,” the former governor told the congregation.
He appealed to supporters of both politicians to preserve the solemnity of the occasion, noting that there would be ample opportunity for political activities after the funeral.
Order was restored following his appeal, and the service proceeded without further disruption.
