The PDP deputy governorship candidate, who serves as Iya Sunnah of Egbaland and First Ameerah of Ogun State Muslims, has received two prominent chieftaincy honours for her contributions to Islamic advancement, the development of Itoku and humanitarian service.
Sowunmi-Kolapo’s maternal grandmother, Alhaja Rabiat Bakenne, née Akinyele, came from the Akinyele compound in Itoku. Community leaders regard the family as one of the enduring supporters of the people of Itoku.
The road into Itoku was shut to traffic and businesses closed as residents and visitors turned out to welcome her. Those present included the Itoku Traditional Council, Isese chiefs, representatives of Christian, Muslim and traditional faiths, the Community Development Association, PDP officials, social associations, traders, cultural performers and other community members.
With loud celebrations from the crowd, Itoku stakeholders jointly pledged to organise broad support for the PDP governorship team of Hon. Oladipupo Adebutu and Hajia Sowunmi-Kolapo, with the aim of delivering victory in next year’s election.
In a demonstration of the community’s support, the Itoku Traditional Council of Chiefs, made up of the Ogboni, Olorogun, Ologun and Parakoyi, bestowed the title Olootu of Itoku Land on her. The council is headed by the Oluwo of Itoku, Chief Olusoji Sodamola.
The Itoku Muslim Community also installed her as Ummu-L-Khaer of Itoku Muslims in Egbaland. The ceremony was led by the Baba Adeen of Itoku, Alhaji Chief Shuaib Olaleye Aro, alongside Alhaji Imam Taofeek Bakare, Chief Imam of Itoku Central Mosque serving Ita-Edu, Ita Morin, Oke-Itoku and Abeokuta. The title cited her distinguished service to Islam and humanity.
Earlier, Alhaji Moshood Akinyele, a grassroots political figure and Abeokuta leader known as Americo, formally introduced Adebutu’s running mate to the Oluwo of Itoku and portrayed her as a source of pride for the community.
Akinyele said Sowunmi-Kolapo had made significant contributions in Abeokuta and across Ogun State despite never holding public office. He said the honours reflected appreciation for the achievements and reputation of the Akinyele family.
Accompanied by leading religious figures from Itoku, the Oluwo lifted Sowunmi-Kolapo’s hand before the applauding audience and declared support for the Adebutu/Kolapo ticket. He said, “Itoku is completely for PDP.”
“We approach the coming governorship election with confidence because we have a strong candidate,” the Oluwo said. “We have a worthy daughter who, by God’s grace, will become deputy governor. She belongs to us, and we will work fully for her. We have agreed to vote PDP. Those absent should be informed. Our decision has the full support of our respected father, the Alake of Egbaland.”
He added: “If PDP forms the government, unemployed people will find work. Our daughter, Chief Sowunmi-Kolapo, has already begun important projects for us in Itoku. We expect more progress when they get to Oke-Mosan. By God’s grace, I am pleased to present Her Excellency as the PDP deputy governorship candidate for 2027, with Hon. Ladi Adebutu as the party’s governorship candidate.”
Responding, Sowunmi-Kolapo thanked the community for the recognition and the homecoming reception. She said she was pleased that she had not needed to struggle to establish her links to her family, unlike others who had sought to prove their lineage.
“I am grateful that I did not have to fight to be accepted by my family, unlike people who have been trying to establish their ancestry,” she said. “When the Ijemos gave me their endorsement, everyone knew about it. Politics at this moment goes beyond party labels; it concerns safeguarding our heritage. We must not permit anyone to make us slaves. You may collect their money, but vote for Hon. Ladi Adebutu and every PDP candidate, from the highest office to the lowest, in 2027.”
The gathering was attended by PDP leaders in Ogun State, senior religious figures, traditional organisations and several social associations.
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Ogun 2027: Itoku Community says it will back only its daughter, Sowunmi-Kolapo, during homecoming reception
