The Itoku community in Abeokuta, Ogun State, witnessed a grand homecoming celebration on Saturday as indigenes and residents gathered to honour Hajia Lateefat Sowunmi-Kolapo, the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) deputy governorship candidate for the 2027 election.
Sowunmi-Kolapo, who serves as the Iya Sunnah of Egbaland and the First Ameerah of Ogun State Muslims, received two prestigious chieftaincy titles in recognition of her contributions to Islam, the development of Itoku and humanitarian service.
The major road leading to Itoku was blocked, while commercial activities were suspended as residents left their businesses and other daily engagements to welcome the PDP candidate.
Community leaders and stakeholders also pledged to mobilise widespread support for the PDP governorship ticket featuring Oladipupo Adebutu and Sowunmi-Kolapo, promising to work towards their victory in the 2027 election.
The Itoku Traditional Council of Chiefs, comprising the Ogboni, Olorogun, Ologun and Parakoyi, bestowed on her the title of Olootu of Itoku Land in recognition of her contributions and acceptance within the community.
The council is headed by the Oluwo of Itoku, Chief Olusoji Sodamola.
Similarly, the Itoku Muslim Community, under the leadership of its Baba Adeen, Alhaji Shuaib Aro, and the Chief Imam of Itoku Central Mosque, Ita-Edu, Ita Morin, Oke-Itoku, Abeokuta, Alhaji Imam Bakare, installed her as Ummu-L-Khaer of Itoku Muslims in Egbaland “in recognition of her meritorious service to Islam and humanity.”
Earlier, a prominent grassroots politician and political leader in Abeokuta, Moshood Akinyele, popularly known as Americo, formally introduced Sowunmi-Kolapo to the Oluwo of Itoku, describing her as a shining light of the community.
During the ceremony, attended by prominent religious leaders, the traditional ruler raised Sowunmi-Kolapo’s hand amid cheers from the crowd and openly declared his support for the Adebutu-Kolapo ticket, stating 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 for 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.
He added that a PDP-led government would create employment opportunities for residents, expressing confidence in Sowunmi-Kolapo’s ability to deliver more development to the community.
“With the PDP in power, those who don’t have jobs will get. Our daughter, Alhaja 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 remarks, Sowunmi-Kolapo thanked the community for the recognition and warm welcome. She expressed satisfaction that connecting with her family roots had been straightforward, unlike the difficulties some people encounter when trying to establish 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.
The event attracted members of the Itoku Traditional Council, Isese chiefs, Christian, Muslim and traditional religious leaders, Community Development Association representatives, PDP leaders and other dignitaries.
Meanwhile, PUNCH Online reported on Saturday that the Independent National Electoral Commission excluded Adebutu and Isa Pantami, the PDP governorship candidate in Gombe State, from its final list of candidates for the February 6, 2027 governorship elections.
The lists, signed by INEC Secretary Rose Oriaran-Anthony and published on the commission’s website on Saturday, contained 13 candidates for Ogun State and 16 for Gombe State, with neither list featuring a PDP candidate.
Adebutu’s exclusion comes amid questions surrounding his absence from the PDP membership register submitted to INEC. Some groups have questioned his eligibility following allegations that his name was missing from the register.
