The Ogun State Muslim Council (OMC), Egba Zone, has installed Hajia Lateefat ‘Yemi Sowunmi-Kolapo, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) deputy governorship candidate for the 2027 election, as its Grand Matron. The installation ceremony took place at the Ake Palace in Abeokuta on October 1, 2026. Muslim leaders, traditional rulers, political stakeholders, and community members attended the event, which had the theme "Socio-Economic Stability: A Fortress for Global Security."
Sowunmi-Kolapo, also known as the Iya Sunnah of Egbaland and Ameerah of Ogun State, expressed gratitude to the Muslim community for the support she received throughout her religious and political journey. She described the honour as a demonstration of the community's confidence and support. Sowunmi-Kolapo prayed for Allah's guidance and fruitful journey in her new role, succeeding the late Chief Khadijah Adebisi Edionseri, who also served as Iya Sunnah of Egbaland and OMC Grand Matron.
The new Grand Matron emphasized the importance of linking religious and community leadership with political participation, urging Muslims to become more active in decisions affecting their future. She encouraged communities to participate actively in the political process, using their votes to influence the choice of leaders. Sowunmi-Kolapo also called on Muslim parents, leaders, and community stakeholders to educate young people on responsible democratic participation and discourage practices that undermine the electoral process.
Sowunmi-Kolapo stressed the need for voters to reject vote-buying, political violence, and apathy, promoting peaceful participation in elections. She emphasized that the community's political influence should be exercised through informed voting and civic engagement rather than inducements. The event featured discussions on socio-economic stability, security, education, and civic participation, bringing together religious, traditional, and political stakeholders in Abeokuta.
Guest lecturer Sheikh Sulaimon Faruq Onikijipa, OON, spoke on the theme, urging governments to prioritize security, education, and the economic wellbeing of citizens. He emphasized that sustainable security cannot be achieved without access to quality education and basic socio-economic conditions for dignified living. Onikijipa stressed that addressing economic hardship and improving access to education would contribute to creating a more stable society.
Senator Prof. Iyabo Obasanjo commended the Ogun State Muslim community for honouring Sowunmi-Kolapo and supporting her political aspirations. Obasanjo described the new Grand Matron as humble, faithful, and kind, acknowledging her contributions to the Muslim community. The event combined the installation of the Grand Matron with discussions on socio-economic stability, security, education, and civic participation.
The installation of Sowunmi-Kolapo as Grand Matron is seen as a significant development in Ogun State, promoting socio-economic stability and civic engagement. The event brought together various stakeholders, highlighting the importance of collaboration between religious, traditional, and political leaders in promoting peaceful and responsible participation in the electoral process.
Key points
- The Ogun State Muslim Council installed Hajia Lateefat ‘Yemi Sowunmi-Kolapo as Grand Matron, promoting socio-economic stability and civic engagement.
- Sowunmi-Kolapo, the PDP deputy governorship candidate, emphasized the importance of linking religious and community leadership with political participation.
- The event featured discussions on socio-economic stability, security, education, and civic participation, bringing together religious, traditional, and political stakeholders in Abeokuta.
