2027: PDP Deputy Gov Candidate Sowunmi-Kolapo Installed OMC Grand Matron, Urges Muslims To Reject Political Apathy

Daud Olatunji

The Ogun State Muslim Council, Egba Zone, has installed the Peoples Democratic Party’s deputy governorship candidate for the 2027 Ogun State governorship election, Alhaja Dr Lateefah Oyeyemi Sowunmi-Kolapo, as its Grand Matron, as she urged Muslims across the state to take an active role in determining the political leadership of the country.

Sowunmi-Kolapo, who is also the Iya Suna of Egba Land and running mate to PDP governorship candidate Oladipupo Adebutu, was installed and decorated at the Ake Palace, Abeokuta, on Thursday, October 1, 2026.

The ceremony, which attracted Muslim leaders, political stakeholders, traditional figures and other members of the community, was held under the theme, “Socio-Economic Stability: A Fortress for Global Security.”

The installation has assumed political significance coming ahead of the 2027 governorship election, with Sowunmi-Kolapo using the occasion to call for increased civic participation among Muslims and urging voters to reject electoral violence, vote-buying and political apathy.

Speaking in an interview after her installation, the new Grand Matron described the honour as a demonstration of confidence and support from the Muslim community.

She said, “It’s a great honour for me because when people appreciate you and they show it, you can only be thankful to God and the State Muslim Council.”

Sowunmi-Kolapo explained that the position was in line with the tradition of the Egba Muslim community, noting that the Iya Suna of Egba was expected to serve as the Grand Matron of the Ogun State Muslim Council.

She said her new responsibility was particularly significant because she was succeeding the late former Iya Suna, Chief Mrs Khadijat.

According to her, “It is a great honour to step into the former Iya Suna, Chief Mrs Khadijat, who is now late. I just pray that Almighty Allah guides my steps and makes everything fruitful at the end of the day.”

The PDP deputy governorship candidate also expressed appreciation to members of the Muslim community for the support she had received throughout the process leading to her installation.

She said, “The Muslim community, I’ll just 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.”

However, she used the occasion to broaden her message from religious leadership to civic and political participation, urging Muslims to recognise the importance of political power in protecting their interests and heritage.

Sowunmi-Kolapo said the Muslim community must not remain passive in matters concerning its future.

She said, “I also still want to appeal to every one of them that the struggle today is about Islam, it is about our heritage.”

She recalled advice given to her by an elder, stressing that religious leaders and members of the community could not afford to remain politically inactive.

According to her, “An elder was telling me something when I went to visit him. He said Muslim leaders or religious leaders should not sit back and think that they will hand over everything they seek to them on a platter of gold.”

She added, “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.”

The PDP candidate urged Muslim parents, leaders and community stakeholders to educate their children and wards on responsible democratic participation.