By Ayobami, Ife Abeokuta
The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Enoch Adejare Adeboye, on Easter Monday joined other eminent Nigerians at Abraham’s Tabernacle for a special thanksgiving service marking the 70th birthday of former Ogun State governor, Senator Gbenga Daniel.
Adeboye, who arrived at the church premises in a Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) at about 10:08 a.m., was received and ushered into the church auditorium by Daniel amid reverence from congregants, who were excited to see him at close range.
He described the former Ogun State governor as “the original Omoluabi,” recalling his interactions with him while he served as governor and noting that he was consistently responsive and supportive.
Adeboye lauded Daniel’s legacy as Governor of Ogun State between 2003 and 2011, declaring that among those who have governed the state, Daniel was exceptional. He stressed that there was no promise Daniel made that went unfulfilled.
He made the remarks on Easter Monday during a Special Thanksgiving service at Abraham’s Tabernacle Sagamu, Ogun State to mark Daniel’s 70th birthday.
The octogenarian pastor, who revealed that he had to alter his schedule to attend the thanksgiving service, also described the former governor as a leader who never played politics with the things of God.
Emphasizing how dear Senator Daniel is to him, Adeboye said that he, his family, and the entire RCCG hold the septuagenarian senator in high esteem. He also prayed that Daniel would end well in both life and politics.
In his exhortation, anchored on Psalm 90:12, he emphasized the need to be conscious of one’s days and years, stating that what God considers is the quality of life lived, not its length.
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Adeboye said, “Let me say this, Otunba Gbenga Daniel is the original Omoluabi. While he was governor, there was nothing we asked him that he would not do. I pray that God grant you the grace to celebrate more years on the earth.
“Let me say this, to work with God, you must learn to fear him.
“Anybody who does not fear God is a fool. We must learn to number our days and must fear God. Wisdom is the correct application of knowledge. From the day you were born, you began a journey back to where you are from. You will discover that at the end of this journey, you will give account.
“Every religion talks about what happens in the afterlife. Unfortunately, how soon we will end our journey here on the earth is not reveal to us.
“There is an arrangement that God made for you to live the rest of your life in hope and joy so that you can live this earth smiling. Sooner or later we will embark on a journey of accountability, a journey of nothing.”
Earlier, Daniel took the first Bible reading from Philippians 4:8 (KJV/NIV) of the Bible verse that says: “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things” which was written by apostle Paul to Christians, instructing them to dwell on things that are true and aligned with God’s word, not lies or falsehoods.
He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Abiodun, Senator Ibikunle Amosun and other Nigerians for celebrating him at 70 and prayed God to reward them for honour extended to him.
Daniel a moment of humour, lauded Amosun, describing him as an “enfanterrible successor 1,” whom he said “showed him hell”, but is a repentant ally.
“Let me appreciate the former governors who are here, especially the one they call Ajiri, Senator Ibikunle Amosun. A fine, terrible successor of mine.
“He showed me hell but we thank God, with the players of our clergymen, he has repented. Ibikunle, thank you very much. We started the race together but you were in too much of a hurry. You fought for the crown, and you got it. I still wish you well, ” Daniel said.
In attendance at the Thanksgiving service were the Deputy Governor Noimot Salako – Oyedele who represented Governor Dapo Abiodun, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo represented by his wife, Chief Bola Obasanjo, ex – deputy governor Salmot Makajuola Badru, Ambassador Tokunboh Awolowo, Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola, Deputy Governor Yetunde Onanuga, Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rasheed Ladoja, renowned industrialist and Asiwajú of Remoland, Chief Solomon Onafowokan, Bishop Fasina Fape among others.
Others included Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, the Akarigbo of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi, the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, former Abeokuta South Local Government boss, Yanju Lipede among others
