ABEOKUTA – Itoku community in Abeokuta was shut down on Saturday as indigenes and residents rolled out drums in a grand homecoming ceremony for the Deputy Governorship Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in Ogun State for the 2027 election, Hajia Lateefat Sowunmi-Kolapo.
The PDP deputy governorship candidate, who is the Iya Sunnah of Egbaland and First Ameerah of Ogun State Muslims, was honoured with two prestigious chieftaincy titles in recognition of her support for the growth of Islam, development of Itoku and service to humanity.
Sowunmi-Kolapo’s maternal grandmother, Alhaja Rabiat Bakenne (nee Akinyele), hails from the Akinyele compound in Itoku, a family described by community leaders as a strong pillar of support for the Itoku people.
The main road leading to Itoku was blocked as shops were closed, while dignitaries including the Itoku Traditional Council, Isese Chiefs, leaders of Christian, Muslim and Traditional faiths, Community Development Association, PDP leaders, societies, market women and men, cultural troupes and residents abandoned their daily activities to give her a rousing welcome.
Amid cheers, stakeholders in Itoku unanimously vowed to mobilise massive support for the PDP governorship ticket of Hon. Oladipupo Adebutu and Hajia Sowunmi-Kolapo and ensure their victory at the polls next year.
To attest to their overwhelming acceptance, the Itoku Traditional Council of Chiefs — comprising the Ogboni, Olorogun, Ologun and Parakoyi — under the leadership of the Oluwo of Itoku, Chief Olusoji Sodamola, conferred on her the chieftaincy title of Olootu of Itoku Land.
Similarly, the Itoku Muslim Community, led by the Baba Adeen of Itoku, Alhaji Chief Shuaib Olaleye Aro, and the Chief Imam of Itoku Central Mosque (Ita-Edu, Ita Morin, Oke-Itoku, Abeokuta), Alhaji Imam Taofeek Bakare, installed her as Ummu-L-Khaer of Itoku Muslims in Egbaland “in recognition of her meritorious service to Islam and humanity.”
Earlier, prominent grassroots politician and political leader in Abeokuta, Alhaji Moshood Akinyele, fondly called Americo, formally presented Adebutu’s running mate to the Oluwo of Itoku and described her as a shining light of the community.
Akinyele said Sowunmi-Kolapo had recorded many strides in Abeokuta and Ogun State at large even without holding public office, noting that the honour was a sign of gratitude for the legacies and good name of the Akinyele family.
Joined by prominent religious leaders in Itoku, the Oluwo raised Sowunmi-Kolapo’s hand to the cheering of the crowd and openly endorsed the Adebutu/Kolapo ticket, declaring that “Itoku is entirely for PDP.”
“We are entering the forthcoming governorship election with pride because we have a good product. We have a great child who is our incoming Deputy Governor by God’s grace. This is our own and we are going all out for her. We have all resolved to vote the PDP. Let’s tell those who are not here. Our resolution is fully backed by our revered father, the Alake of Egbaland,” the Oluwo said.
“With the PDP in power, those who don’t have jobs will get. Our daughter, Chief Sowunmi-Kolapo has already started great things for us in Itoku. We believe that great things will continue once they are at Oke-Mosan. I am glad to present Her Excellency under the platform of the PDP by the grace of God as our deputy governorship candidate for 2027 and Hon. Ladi Adebutu as our governorship candidate,” the traditional ruler added.
In her response, Sowunmi-Kolapo expressed gratitude for the honour and homecoming, saying she was happy she did not struggle to connect with her family, unlike some who had been struggling to prove their ancestry.
“I am happy I did not struggle before connecting with my family, unlike some who have been struggling to prove their ancestry. When the Ijemos endorsed me, we were all aware. The politics of this time is not about political parties, it is about protecting our heritage. We must not allow anyone to enslave us. You can take their money but vote Hon. Ladi Adebutu and all other PDP candidates from top to bottom in 2027,” she said.
Dignitaries including PDP leaders in Ogun, prominent religious leaders and several traditional groups, societies graced the occasion.
