2027: Ogun community backs PDP deputy governorship candidate

The community leaders raising the hands of the Ogun State PDP deputy governorship candidate, Yemi Sowunmi-Kolapo, during the homecoming organised by the Itoju community in Abeokuta, on Saturday.

The Itoku community in Abeokuta, Ogun State, came alive on Saturday as indigenes and residents rolled out the drums for a grand homecoming reception in honour of Hajia Lateefat Sowunmi-Kolapo, the Deputy Governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the state for the 2027 election.

Sowunmi-Kolapo, who is the Iya Sunnah of Egbaland and First Ameerah of Ogun State Muslims, was conferred with two prestigious chieftaincy titles in recognition of her contributions to the growth of Islam, the development of Itoku and service to humanity.

The main road leading to Itoku was blocked, while shops were closed as residents abandoned their daily activities to welcome the PDP deputy governorship candidate.

Amid cheers, community stakeholders unanimously pledged to mobilise massive support for the PDP governorship ticket of Oladipupo Adebutu and Sowunmi-Kolapo, vowing to work towards their victory in the 2027 election.

In recognition of her contributions and acceptance within the community, the Itoku Traditional Council of Chiefs, comprising the Ogboni, Olorogun, Ologun and Parakoyi, conferred on her the title of Olootu of Itoku Land.

The council is led by the Oluwo of Itoku, Chief Olusoji Sodamola.

Similarly, the Itoku Muslim Community, led by the Baba Adeen of Itoku, 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 presented Sowunmi-Kolapo to the Oluwo of Itoku, describing her as a shining light of the community.

In the presence of prominent religious leaders in Itoku, the Oluwo raised Sowunmi-Kolapo’s hand to the cheers 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 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.

• Stop deceiving Nigerians, ex-Osun lawmaker warns Atiku, Obi
• Prioritise human development, curb poverty, PDP chieftain urges northern leaders
• Family defends Rhodes-Vivour’s Yoruba, Lagos heritage with historical documents

“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 response, Sowunmi-Kolapo expressed gratitude to the community for the honour and warm reception, saying she was pleased that establishing her family roots had not been a struggle for her, unlike some people who had faced difficulties proving 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 at the event included members of the Itoku Traditional Council, Isese chiefs, leaders of Christian, Muslim and traditional faiths, members of the Community Development Association, PDP leaders, among others.

PUNCH Online reported on Saturday that Adebutu’s name, alongside Isa Pantami, a PDP governorship candidate in Gombe State, was left out of the final list of candidates for the February 6, 2027 governorship elections by the Independent National Electoral Commission.

The lists, signed by INEC Secretary Rose Oriaran-Anthony and published on the INEC website on Saturday, show 13 candidates in Ogun and 16 in Gombe, none of them from the PDP.

Adebutu’s omission comes amid questions over his name’s absence from the PDP membership register submitted to INEC. Some groups had raised concerns about his eligibility after alleging that his name was missing from the register.