Former Ogun State First Lady, Yeye Olufunke Daniel, is mourning the loss of her 93-year-old mother, Chief Mrs. Sabainah Ibironke Opawole.

Opawole, who was born on April 23, 1933, to Princess Mariam Ladigbolu of the revered Ladigbolu family of the Oyo Kingdom, and the late Reverend O. Osoba of Olodo Village, Abeokuta, passed away peacefully on July 2, 2026, following a brief illness.

A lifelong member of the Baptist Church, Opawole remained steadfast in her Christian faith until her death, earning the admiration of family members, friends, and members of her community for her exemplary lifestyle and compassionate disposition.

Opawole was a devoted Christian, respected matriarch, and a woman whose life was marked by humility, faith, and unwavering commitment to family values. She is survived by children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, including Yeye Olufunke Daniel, wife of former Governor of Ogun State and Senator representing Ogun East, Otunba Gbenga Daniel.

Confirming the development, the family expressed gratitude to God for her fulfilled life and the enduring legacy she leaves behind.

“Our beloved mother lived a long, fulfilled and exemplary life dedicated to God, her family and humanity. While we mourn her passing, we are comforted by the remarkable values she instilled in all who came in contact with her and the lasting impact of her life,” the family said in a statement.

The family also appealed for prayers and understanding during this period of mourning. “We appreciate the outpouring of love, prayers and support from friends, associates and well-wishers. Funeral arrangements will be announced in due course,” the statement added.

Since news of her passing emerged, tributes have continued to pour in from political associates, community leaders, family friends and well-wishers across Ogun State and beyond, who remembered Opawole as a woman of dignity, grace, strength and unwavering faith.

Opawole's passing has thrown the Opawole and Daniel families into mourning, and her legacy will undoubtedly be remembered for generations to come.

Yeye Olufunke Daniel and her family are expected to make further announcements regarding funeral arrangements and other memorial activities in due course.

As the family continues to mourn the loss of their beloved matriarch, Nigerians from all walks of life will undoubtedly come together to celebrate her remarkable life and enduring legacy.

And as the news of her passing spreads, it is expected that many will take a moment to reflect on the remarkable life of Chief Mrs. Sabainah Ibironke Opawole.

### Key Facts:

  • Opawole was born on April 23, 1933.
  • She was a lifelong member of the Baptist Church.
  • She was a devoted Christian, respected matriarch, and a woman whose life was marked by humility, faith, and unwavering commitment to family values.
  • She was survived by children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, including Yeye Olufunke Daniel.
  • Funeral arrangements will be announced in due course.