The Ijemo Muslim Community in Abeokuta, Ogun State, has expressed its support for Hajia Lateefat 'Yemi Sowunmi-Kolapo, the deputy governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state. The community's leaders, Imams, and faithful hailed Kolapo's leadership qualities, citing her activities before this election season as clear pointers to the fact that Ogun State will be a better place for all residents if she is elected as deputy governor alongside her principal, the PDP governorship candidate, Hon. Ladi Adebutu.
The Ijemo Muslim Community made this declaration during the 2026 Maulud Nabiyy celebration, which drew Imams, Alfas, community elders, women groups, and youths from across Ijemo and Egbaland to the historic Ita Baayinbo Mosque. The event was a significant Islamic celebration that not only honored the memory of the Holy Prophet but also highlighted the community's support for Kolapo's political ambition. Various speakers at the event commended Kolapo as a pacesetter in faith and philanthropism.
The Chief Imam of Ijemoland, Alhaji Sheikh Nojeemdeen Wale Bakenne, said the celebration was significant not just for its spiritual importance but for what it represents for the political future of Ijemo. He noted that Ijemo has not produced any governor or deputy governor since the time of the late Chief Sesan Soluade and that now was the time for the community to support Kolapo's bid for the deputy governorship.
Sheikh Bakenne recalled that the Ijemo community had been enjoying the benevolence of Sowunmi-Kolapo long before she was honored as a Muslim leader in Ijemo land. He described her philanthropic gestures and generosity as unmatched in the history of the community. According to him, Kolapo takes care of and respects all Ijemos and Ogun sons and daughters who come in contact with her.
The Chairman of the occasion, Alhaji AbdulAkeem Owolabi Mustapha, said Islam should be judged by character and service to humanity, noting that Hajia Sowunmi-Kolapo exemplifies true Islamic leadership. He emphasized that Islam is a character, the way one lives their life, and that Kolapo has been a faith leader par excellence who has touched many lives.
Responding, Hajia Lateefat Oyeyemi Sowunmi-Kolapo expressed delight at being among her kinsmen, saying she is proud of her Ijemo roots. She urged Muslim faithful to protect their heritage and seize the opportunity of the forthcoming governorship election to vote for the PDP ticket of Ladi Adebutu and herself. She warned against false narratives being peddled by other candidates and cautioned against politics of crisis and blind party loyalty.
Sowunmi-Kolapo told the gathering that 2027 represents a historic window for Ijemo, for Abeokuta, for Ogun State, and for Islam to reclaim its rightful place in governance. She called on the community to use the opportunity to inform the people that this is their time in Ijemo, Abeokuta, Ogun, and in Islam. The Maulud celebration ended with special prayers for peace, unity, and progress of Ogun State, for the Ijemo community, and for the success of the forthcoming elections.
Key points
- The Ijemo Muslim Community has declared its support for Hajia Lateefat 'Yemi Sowunmi-Kolapo as the deputy governorship candidate of the PDP in Ogun State.
- The community's support for Kolapo was made during the 2026 Maulud Nabiyy celebration, which highlighted her leadership qualities and philanthropic gestures.
- Kolapo has urged Muslim faithful to protect their heritage and vote for the PDP ticket in the forthcoming governorship election.
