The Ogun State Muslim Council has installed Hajia Lateefat 'Yemi Sowunmi-Kolapo, the Peoples Democratic Party's deputy governorship candidate for the 2027 election, as its Grand Matron (Egba Zone). The installation ceremony, held at the Ake Palace in Abeokuta on October 1, 2026, was attended by Muslim leaders, political stakeholders, and traditional figures. The event was themed "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 for the honour.
Sowunmi-Kolapo used the occasion to call for increased civic participation among Muslims and urged voters to reject electoral violence, vote-buying, and political apathy. She emphasized the importance of Muslims taking an active role in determining the political leadership of the country. The deputy governorship candidate described the honour as a demonstration of confidence and support from the Muslim community. She thanked the Ogun State Muslim Council for the recognition and prayed for guidance on her new role.
The new Grand Matron expressed appreciation to members of the Muslim community for their support throughout her political journey. She urged Muslim parents, leaders, and community stakeholders to educate their children and wards on responsible democratic participation. Sowunmi-Kolapo emphasized that electoral participation should be peaceful and driven by citizens' choices rather than inducements. She also highlighted the connection between socio-economic conditions, education, security, and global stability.
The Ogun State Muslim Council's Egba Zone drew attention to the importance of socio-economic stability for global security. Guest lecturer Sheikh Sulaimon Faruq Onikijipa, OON, spoke on the theme, emphasizing that a stable society cannot be achieved when citizens are denied access to quality education, security, and basic socio-economic conditions. Onikijipa urged governments to prioritize security, education, and the economic wellbeing of citizens.
Senator Prof. Iyabo Obasanjo commended the Ogun State Muslim Community for honouring Sowunmi-Kolapo and giving her the blessing to serve as the PDP deputy governorship candidate. Obasanjo described Sowunmi-Kolapo as humble, faithful, and kind, acknowledging her contributions to the Muslim community. The installation ceremony assumed political significance, coming ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
Sowunmi-Kolapo's installation as Grand Matron has been seen as a strategic move, given her position as the PDP's deputy governorship candidate. Her message of civic participation and rejection of money politics resonated with attendees. The event provided a platform for Sowunmi-Kolapo to broaden her message from religious leadership to civic and political participation.
The Ogun State Muslim Council's recognition of Sowunmi-Kolapo is seen as a significant endorsement. The council's emphasis on socio-economic stability and education reflects the community's priorities. As the 2027 election approaches, Sowunmi-Kolapo's installation as Grand Matron is likely to have implications for the political landscape in Ogun State.
Key points
- Ogun State Muslim Council installs Yemi Sowunmi-Kolapo as Grand Matron, urging citizens to shun money politics.
