By Our Reporter
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) deputy governorship candidate for Ogun State in the 2027 election, Hajia Lateefat ‘Yemi Sowunmi-Kolapo, has been installed as the Grand Matron of the Ogun State Muslim Council (OMC), Egba Zone.
Sowunmi-Kolapo, who is also the Iya Sunnah of Egbaland and Ameerah of Ogun State, was installed and decorated at the Ake Palace, Abeokuta, on Thursday as part of activities marking the ceremony organised under the theme, “Socio-Economic Stability: A Fortress for Global Security.”
The event brought together Muslim leaders, traditional figures, political stakeholders and members of the wider community.
The installation has political significance coming ahead of the 2027 governorship election, with Sowunmi-Kolapo using the occasion to call for greater civic and political participation among Muslims while urging voters to reject electoral violence, vote-buying and political apathy.
Speaking after her installation, the PDP deputy governorship candidate described the honour as a demonstration of confidence and support from the Muslim community.
She said the position carried particular significance because the Iya Sunnah of Egbaland traditionally occupied the office of Grand Matron of the OMC, Egba Zone.
Sowunmi-Kolapo recalled the late Chief Khadijah Adebisi Edionseri, who previously held the dual position, saying succeeding her represented a significant responsibility.
“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,” she said.
“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). Our late revered mother, late Chief Khadijah Adebisi Edionseri, was the Iya Sunnah of Egbaland and OMC Grand Matron.”
She added: “Stepping into her shoes is a big deal for me. I pray Almighty Allah guides my steps and makes the journey fruitful.”
The new Grand Matron also expressed appreciation to members of the Muslim community for the support she said she had received since 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,” she said.
Sowunmi-Kolapo, however, used the occasion to link religious and community leadership with civic participation, urging Muslims to take a more active interest in political affairs and the processes through which public leaders are elected.
She argued that communities seeking to protect their interests and heritage must participate actively in the political process rather than remain passive.
Quoting the counsel of an elder statesman she said she had recently visited, Sowunmi-Kolapo said religious and community leaders should not assume that their interests would automatically be protected by those in power.
“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 said.
She urged Muslim parents, leaders and other community stakeholders to educate young people on responsible democratic participation and the importance of exercising their franchise.
The PDP candidate also called for peaceful participation in elections, urging voters to resist inducements and make electoral choices based on their convictions.
Earlier, the OMC, Egba Zone, drew attention to the relationship between socio-economic stability, education, security and global peace during the ceremony.
The guest lecturer, Sheikh Sulaimon Faruq Onikijipa, OON, who spoke on the theme of the event, urged governments at all levels to give greater attention to security, education and the economic wellbeing of citizens.
Onikijipa argued that lasting stability could not be achieved where citizens lacked access to quality education, adequate security and the basic socio-economic conditions required for dignified living.
Also speaking, Senator Iyabo Obasanjo commended the Ogun State Muslim community for honouring Sowunmi-Kolapo and acknowledging her contributions to the community.
Obasanjo described the new Grand Matron as humble, faithful and kind, while commending her commitment to the Muslim community.
