Ogun's Itoku Community Endorses PDP Deputy Guber Candidate Sowunmi-Kolapo for 2027

A vibrant homecoming reception unfolded on Saturday in Abeokuta's Itoku community, Ogun State, as locals and residents gathered to celebrate Hajia Lateefat Sowunmi-Kolapo, the Peoples Democratic Party's Deputy Governorship candidate for the 2027 election. Sowunmi-Kolapo, who holds the esteemed titles of Iya Sunnah of Egbaland and First Ameerah of Ogun State Muslims, was honored with two significant chieftaincy titles. These accolades recognized her substantial contributions to the advancement of Islam, the development of Itoku, and her humanitarian service.

The main thoroughfare leading into Itoku was closed off, and businesses shut down as residents set aside their daily routines to warmly welcome the PDP deputy governorship hopeful. Amidst enthusiastic cheers, community leaders collectively pledged to mobilize extensive support for the PDP governorship ticket, featuring Oladipupo Adebutu and Sowunmi-Kolapo, committing to work towards their victory in the upcoming 2027 polls.

In acknowledgment of her impact and widespread acceptance within the community, the Itoku Traditional Council of Chiefs, which includes the Ogboni, Olorogun, Ologun, and Parakoyi, bestowed upon her the title of Olootu of Itoku Land. This council is presided over by the Oluwo of Itoku, Chief Olusoji Sodamola. Concurrently, the Itoku Muslim Community, under the leadership of Baba Adeen of Itoku, Alhaji Shuaib Aro, and the Chief Imam of Itoku Central Mosque (covering Ita-Edu, Ita Morin, Oke-Itoku, Abeokuta), Alhaji Imam Bakare, installed her as Ummu-L-Khaer of Itoku Muslims in Egbaland, citing her “meritorious service to Islam and humanity.”

Earlier in the event, Moshood Akinyele, a prominent grassroots politician in Abeokuta widely known as Americo, formally introduced Sowunmi-Kolapo to the Oluwo of Itoku, hailing her as a beacon of the community. With notable religious figures present in Itoku, the Oluwo raised Sowunmi-Kolapo’s hand, eliciting cheers from the crowd, and openly endorsed the Adebutu-Kolapo ticket, proclaiming 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 stated. He further added, “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.” The traditional ruler concluded by saying, “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.”

In her appreciative remarks, Sowunmi-Kolapo thanked the community for the honor and warm reception. She expressed satisfaction that establishing her family roots had been straightforward, unlike others who face challenges 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,” she noted. She emphasized the current political landscape, stating, “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.”

The event saw the attendance of various dignitaries, including members of the Itoku Traditional Council, Isese chiefs, leaders from Christian, Muslim, and traditional faiths, members of the Community Development Association, and PDP leaders, among others.

However, PUNCH Online had reported on the same Saturday that the name of Oladipupo Adebutu, along with Isa Pantami, a PDP governorship candidate in Gombe State, was conspicuously absent from the Independent National Electoral Commission’s 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, showed 13 candidates for Ogun and 16 for Gombe, with no representation from the PDP. Adebutu’s exclusion follows concerns raised by some groups regarding his eligibility, alleging that his name was missing from the PDP membership register submitted to INEC.