Follow Us on Google
The Ogun State Muslim Council (OMC), Egba Zone, has installed the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) deputy governorship candidate for the 2027 election, Hajia Lateefat ‘Yemi Sowunmi-Kolapo, as its Grand Matron.
Sowunmi-Kolapo, who is the Iya Sunnah of Egbaland and Ameerah of Ogun State, was installed and decorated at the Ake Palace, Abeokuta, on Thursday, October 1, 2026.
The ceremony, which brought together Muslim leaders, traditional rulers, political stakeholders and members of the community, was held under the theme, “Socio-Economic Stability: A Fortress for Global Security.”
The installation comes against the backdrop of preparations for the 2027 governorship election, with Sowunmi-Kolapo using the occasion to call for greater political participation and responsible voting among Muslims and other residents of the state.
Speaking after her installation, she described the honour as a demonstration of the confidence and support of the Muslim community.
She said the position was particularly significant to her because her predecessor, the late Chief Khadijah Adebisi Edionseri, also served as Iya Sunnah of Egbaland and OMC Grand Matron.
“Stepping into her shoes is a big deal for me. I pray Almighty Allah guides my steps and makes the journey fruitful,” she said.
Sowunmi-Kolapo expressed appreciation to members of the Muslim community for the support she had received throughout her religious and political journey.
“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.
The new Grand Matron, however, used the occasion to link religious and community leadership with political participation, urging Muslims to become more active in decisions affecting their future.
She said religious leaders and members of the community should not assume that their interests would automatically be protected by those in positions of political authority.
According to her, communities must participate actively in the political process and use their votes to influence the choice of leaders.
She also urged Muslim parents, leaders and community stakeholders to educate young people on responsible democratic participation and discourage practices that undermine the electoral process.
Sowunmi-Kolapo called on voters to reject vote-buying, political violence and apathy, stressing the importance of peaceful participation in elections.
She said the community’s political influence should be exercised through informed voting and civic engagement rather than inducements.
Focus on socio-economic stability
Earlier at the ceremony, speakers examined the relationship between socio-economic conditions and security, with emphasis on education, economic wellbeing and social stability.
The guest lecturer, Sheikh Sulaimon Faruq Onikijipa, OON, who spoke on the theme of the event, urged governments to give greater attention to security, education and the economic wellbeing of citizens.
Onikijipa said sustainable security could not be achieved where citizens lacked access to quality education and the basic socio-economic conditions required for dignified living.
He stressed that addressing economic hardship and improving access to education would contribute to creating a more stable society.
Also speaking at the ceremony, 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, while 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, bringing religious, traditional and political stakeholders together in Abeokuta.
