The Ogun State Muslim Council has installed Hajia Lateefat ‘Yemi Sowunmi-Kolapo, the Deputy Governorship Candidate of Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) in Ogun State for the 2027 election, as its Grand Matron (Egba Zone).
Penpushing reports that Sowunmi-Kolapo, who is the Iya Sunnah of Egbaland and Ameerah of Ogun State, was installed and decorated at the Ake Palace, Abeokuta, on Thursday, October 1, 2026, at the ceremony which attracted Muslim leaders, political stakeholders, traditional figures and other members of the community.
The installation held under the theme, “Socio-Economic Stability: A Fortress for Global Security’,has assumed political significance, coming ahead of the 2027 governorship election, with Sowunmi-Kolapo using the occasion to call for increased civic participation among Muslims and urging voters to reject electoral violence, vote-buying and political apathy.
Penpushing further reports that the veteran journalist turned politician urged Muslims across the state to take an active role in determining the political leadership of the country, descrbing the honour as a demonstration of confidence and support from the Muslim community.
“It’s a great honour for me because when people appreciate you and they show it, you can only be thankful to God and them. I thank the Ogun State Muslim Council for this great honour. As we were told, the Iya Sunnah of Egbaland is expected to be decorated OMC Grand Matron (Egba Zone)’, she said.
‘Our late revered mother, late Chief Khadijah Adebisi Edionseri, was the Iya Sunnah of Egbaland and OMC Grand Matron. Stepping into her shoes is a big deal for me. I pray Almighty Allah guides my steps and makes the journey fruitful’, Showuni-Kolapo added.
Penpushing also reports that she equally expressed appreciation to members of the Muslim community for the support she had received, from the beginning of her political journey, and throughout the process leading to her installation.
“To the Muslim community, I can only say thank you to them because the shower of love and support that I got from them from the beginning of this journey is unprecedented and I don’t take it for granted,” Showunmi-Kolapo emphasised.
Penpushing reports that she, however, used the occasion to broaden her message from religious leadership to civic and political participation, urging Muslims to recognise the importance of political power in protecting their interests and heritage, calling om the Muslim community not remain passive in matters concerning its future.
“An elder statesman was telling me something when I went to visit him. He said religious leaders should not sit back and think that they will hand over everything they seek to them on a platter of gold. If you don’t struggle for power, some oppressors will use the same power to destroy you, which is why we say our power is in our votes’, she stated
Penpushing reports that Showunmi-Kolapo urged Muslim parents, leaders and community stakeholders to educate their children and wards on responsible democratic participation, stressing that electoral participation should be peaceful and driven by citizens’ choices rather than inducements.
The Ogun State Muslim Council(OMC) Egba Zone earlier at the ceremony, used the occasion to draw attention to the connection between socio-economic conditions, education, security and global stability.
Penpushing further reports that the guest lecturer, Sheikh Sulaimon Faruq Onikijipa, who spoke on the theme, “Socio-Economic Stability: A Fortress for Global Security,” urged governments to give greater priority to security, education and the economic wellbeing of citizens.
The renowned Muslim Cleric pointed out that a stable society could not be achieved when citizens were denied access to quality education, security and the basic socio-economic conditions necessary for dignified living.
Penpushing also reports that Prof. Iyabo Obasanjo in her remarks at the ceremony commended the Ogun State Muslim Community for honouring Sowunmi-Kolapo and giving her the blessing to serve as the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) Deputy Governorship Candidate.
The Ogun Central Senatorial Candidate of Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) in Ogun State ahead of the 2027 poll described the new Grand Matron as humble, faithful and kind, while acknowledging her contributions to the Muslim community.
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