Apunren Communities Hail Gbenga Daniel for Resolving Decades-Long Military Land Dispute

Residents and indigenes of Apunren-Ijebu and neighbouring communities in Ogun East Senatorial District have commended former Ogun State Governor and Senator representing Ogun East, Gbenga Daniel, for his intervention in the protracted military land dispute that has troubled their communities for nearly 50 years.

The appreciation was contained in a letter signed by the Alapunren of Apunren-Ijebu, Oba Jimson Owode Oyelaja, on behalf of the affected communities. The monarch described the senator as an “Angelic Friend” whose leadership and strategic engagement restored hope to residents facing uncertainty.

The dispute centres on land surrounding the Nigerian Army’s Sappers Barracks in Ijebu-Ode, an issue that has left thousands of residents living under the fear of eviction and demolition for decades. Tensions escalated earlier this year when some communities reportedly received demolition notices over alleged encroachment on military land.

Community leaders said Senator Daniel was the first prominent political figure to champion their cause, opting for dialogue and legislative engagement to seek a peaceful resolution.

“We must first thank you for breaking through to give us a voice when no one else did. At a time when our cries appeared unheard and our pains overlooked, you became the first political leader to genuinely identify with our plight and take concrete steps toward a solution,” the appreciation letter stated.

The residents noted that the senator’s intervention demonstrated that effective representation goes beyond lawmaking and constituency projects, describing his actions as a reflection of his commitment to justice, peace and the welfare of the people.

Observers say Daniel’s handling of the crisis has further cemented his reputation as a bridge-builder and conflict resolver in Nigeria’s political landscape.

Through sustained engagement at the National Assembly and strategic legislative efforts, the senator drew national attention to the issue, leading to the intervention of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions.

According to the communities, the committee’s involvement created an avenue for meaningful dialogue between residents and military authorities, opening a pathway to a peaceful and mutually beneficial resolution.

A major breakthrough came during a mediation meeting attended by senior military officers, including Major General A.A. Adeyinka, Chief of Logistics, who represented the Chief of Army Staff.

Community leaders said the senator’s intervention helped prevent further conflict, halted additional demolitions and assured residents that their concerns would receive fair consideration at the highest levels of government.

“We were not surprised because that is the Otunba Gbenga Daniel we have always known—grassroots-oriented, compassionate, responsive and result-driven. Despite your enormous responsibilities in Abuja, you still found time to stand with ordinary people in their moment of need,” the letter added.

The monarch and community leaders said Daniel’s intervention had restored confidence in public leadership and demonstrated how constructive engagement can achieve results where fear and uncertainty once prevailed.

They also appealed to the senator to sustain his efforts until the military land de-acquisition process is fully completed, expressing optimism that a final resolution would bring lasting peace, stability and development to the affected communities.

Describing him as their “Distinguished Senator and Angelic Friend,” the residents reaffirmed their support and prayers for the former governor, saying his legacy of service, empathy and responsive representation continues to resonate across Ogun East.

For many residents, the intervention represents another example of Senator Daniel’s commitment to people-centred leadership, conflict resolution and effective representation.