News Investigators/ Itoku community in Abeokuta erupted in celebration on Saturday during a grand homecoming ceremony for Hajia Lateefat Sowunmi-Kolapo, the Ogun PDP deputy governorship candidate for the 2027 election.
The candidate, who is the Iya Sunnah of Egbaland and First Ameerah of Ogun 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 News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Itoku is globally renowned as the historic heartland of tie and dye art and the traditional home of the iconic Adire fabric in Abeokuta.
The main road leading to Itoku was blocked as shops were closed, while dignitaries including the Itoku Traditional Council, Isese Chiefs (traditionalists), religious leaders and Community Development Association, gave her a rousing welcome.
The party (PDP) leaders, different societies, market women and men, cultural troupes and residents were also on ground to welcome her.
Amid cheers, Itoku stakeholders unanimously vowed to mobilise massive support for the PDP governorship ticket of Hon. Oladipupo Adebutu and Hajia Sowunmi-Kolapo to ensure victory at the polls.
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 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.
The installation, according to them, is “in recognition of her meritorious service to Islam and humanity.”
Earlier, prominent grassroots politician and political leader in Abeokuta, Alhaji Moshood Akinyele, popularly known as ‘Americo’, formally presented Adebutu’s running mate to the Oluwo of Itoku, Sodamola, describing her as a shining light of the community.
Akinyele noted that Sowunmi-Kolapo had recorded many strides in Abeokuta and Ogun at large without holding a public office, describing the honour as a testament to the Akinyele family’s enduring legacy and good name.
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’re 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.
“With the PDP in power, those who don’t have jobs will have. 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 Oluwo said.
Responding, 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’re 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.
NAN