The Ogun State Muslim Council, Egba Zone, recently held a grand ceremony at the ancient Ake Palace in Abeokuta to crown Hajia Lateefat Oyeyemi Sowunmi-Kolapo as the Council's Grand Matron. The event was attended by dignitaries from all walks of life, including traditional rulers, politicians, Islamic scholars, and members of the Egba Muslim community. The ceremony was a celebration of Kolapo's elevation to the position, which is symbolic and historic.
Hajia Sowunmi-Kolapo, also known as Iya Sunnah of Egbaland, is a revered figure in Ogun State. She is the first Ameerah of Ogun State Muslims and the Deputy Governorship Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the 2027 election. According to Islamic tradition in Egbaland, anyone who holds the title of Iya Sunnah automatically becomes the Grand Matron of the Council. The position became vacant following the passing of Alhaja Khadijat Edionsere, popularly known as Cash Madam, who served as Grand Matron until her death in January this year.
The ceremony was chaired by Oba M. Ola Yusuf, the Olu of Eleyele/Kere Town, Sultan of Owu Kingdom, who praised Kolapo's virtues and generosity. Other traditional rulers, including the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba Saka Adelola Matemilola, and Baales, chiefs, and royal fathers, attended the event, lending royal glamour to the occasion. The political class was also represented, with the PDP governorship candidate for 2027, Hon. Ladi Adebutu, leading a delegation of party leaders and stakeholders.
In his address of welcome, Alhaji AbdulAkeem Tunji Kalejaye, the Alafin Adinni of Egbaland and Chairman, Ogun Muslim Council, Egba Zone, said Kolapo deserved the honour. He recalled her instrumental role in the actualisation of numerous projects of the Muslim community in Egba and Ogun State, from mosque development to support for the needy. Guest Speaker, Shaykh Sulaymon Faruq Onikijipa, celebrated Kolapo's good works, noting that she was now known globally as Iya Sunnah.
Senator Iyabo Obasanjo, the PDP Senatorial Candidate for Ogun Central in 2027, described Kolapo as a great asset and a gift from God to the party. She praised Kolapo's faith and generosity, saying she had been a pride to Egbaland and the Muslim community. Kolapo, visibly elated, thanked the Almighty Allah and the Egba Muslim Ummah for finding her worthy of the honour.
In her response, Kolapo called for civic awakening ahead of the 2027 election, urging religious leaders not to sit back. She warned against money politics and urged the people to vote rightly, saying that what they do in the next election will count for generations. The event ended with prayers for Ogun State and Nigeria, and a message that in Kolapo, the Egba Muslims and Ogun Muslim Ummah have found a symbol of faith, generosity, and courageous leadership.
The new Grand Matron's installation has significant implications for the 2027 election, with plans to mobilise support for Hon. Ladi Adebutu and Hajia Sowunmi-Kolapo. The event marked a new chapter in Kolapo's life, as she begins her new role, inspiring hope and expectation among the Egba Muslim community and beyond.
Key points
- The Ogun Muslim Council has crowned Iya Sunnah Kolapo as its new Grand Matron, a position that comes with great responsibility and honour.
- The ceremony was attended by dignitaries from all walks of life, including traditional rulers, politicians, and Islamic scholars.
- Kolapo, also known as Iya Sunnah of Egbaland, is a revered figure in Ogun State, known for her faith, generosity, and courageous leadership.
