The occasion was the funeral service in honor of the late mother-in-law of Senator (Otunba) Gbenga Daniel with top dignitaries including His Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun, the Executive Governor of Ogun State, and Distinguished Senator Olamilekan Adeola, also a candidate for the 2027 governorship seat in attendance.
Following his brief but eloquent tribute to the departed, Hon. Adebutu did what few politicians would dare in a charged political season.
He did not whisper. He did not wait.
He stood, gesticulated openly to Governor Abiodun, and called out for an embrace.
Despite the Governor representing the ruling party, and despite both men being contenders in 2023, Prince Dapo Abiodun rose and the two men shared a warm, fraternal hug before the entire congregation.
The gesture drew thunderous applause.
Unrelenting in his pursuit of love and rare leadership acumen, Hon. Adebutu then moved across the aisle to Senator Olamilekan Adeola (Yayi) who was stylishly engrossed in the program booklet. He tapped him and extended his hand, greeted him warmly, and exchanged pleasantries before the congregation. He thereafter proceeded to greet other dignitaries present.
Surprisingly, one would have expected that Senator Adeola would have learnt from this good character by exchanging same pleasantry after his turn of making tribute but he ignored all dignitaries and took his seat immediately after leaving the pulpit.
The auditorium erupted again. Gasps gave way to ovation. What the people witnessed was not politics, but statesmanship—a man who could contest vigorously yet refuse to nurse enmity.
In an era where political rivalry often hardens into bitterness, Hon. Oladipupo Adebutu reminded Ogun people that leadership is rooted in grace, compassion, and courage.
He stole the show at the event , not with grandstanding, but with *character.*
"We saw today what politics should be,”* one attendee remarked. *“To compete, and still embrace.”
That singular act has set a new tone ahead of 2027, showing that Hon. Oladipupo Adebutu is a perfect gentleman who wants to lead Ogun people with love, dignity, unblemished records, and as a well-cultured, courteous, and conscious leader.
