JamzNG Latest News, Gist, Entertainment in Nigeria
Daud Olatunji
The Itoku community of Abeokuta, Ogun State has declared its support for the 2027 governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, with Hon. Oladipupo Adebutu and his running mate, Hajia Lateefat Sowunmi-Kolapo, with community leaders pledging to mobilize voters for the opposition party.
The statement came on Saturday during a grand homecoming reception organized in honor of Sowunmi-Kolapo, whose maternal roots trace back to the Akinyele family of Itoku.
The traditional community council and Muslim leadership also conferred distinguished chief titles on the PDP deputy governor candidate in recognition of her contributions to Islam, community development and humanitarian service.
The event attracted traditional rulers, religious leaders, political figures, market men and women, members of community associations, cultural groups and residents, many of whom suspended their daily activities to accommodate it.
The main road leading to Itoku was reportedly blocked by the large gathering, while several shops were closed as the community made their way to the ceremony.
The Traditional Council of Itoku Chiefs, comprising Ogboni, Olorogun, Ologun and Parakoyi, under the leadership of the Oluwo of Itoku, Chief Olusoji Sodamola, conferred on Sowunmi-Kolapo the title of Olootu of Itoku Land.
Likewise, the Itoku Muslim community, led by the Baba Adeen of Itoku, Chief Alhaji Shuaib Olaleye Aro and the Chief Imam of Itoku Central Mosque, Alhaji Imam Taofeek Bakare, installed it as the Ummu-L-Khaer of the Itoku Muslims in Egbaland.
The Muslim community claimed that the title was in recognition of his meritorious service to Islam and humanity.
Sowunmi-Kolapo, the Iya Sunnah of Egbaland and first Ameerah of Muslims of Ogun State, is related to the Akinyele family through her maternal grandmother, Alhaja Rabiat Bakenne, nee Akinyele.
Speaking at the event, a prominent Abeokuta grassroots politician, Alhaji Moshood Akinyele, popularly known as Americo, formally introduced Sowunmi-Kolapo to the Oluwo of Itoku, describing her as a shining light of the community.
Akinyele said the PDP deputy governorship candidate contributed to the development of Abeokuta and Ogun State despite not having held public office.
He added that the recognition was also in recognition of the contribution of the Akinyele family and their standing in the community.
In a symbolic show of support, the Oluwo, accompanied by eminent religious leaders, raised the hand of Sowunmi-Kolapo before the cheering crowd and openly supported the Adebutu/Kolapo ticket.
The traditional ruler said Itoku was firmly in favor of the PDP, expressing confidence that the party would win the 2027 governorship election.
“We are going into the next governorship election with pride because we have a good product. We have a great kid who will be our incoming lieutenant governor by the grace of God,” Sodamola said.
“This is ours, and we are doing everything for her. We have all resolved to vote for the PDP. Tell that to those who are not here. Our resolution is fully supported by our revered father, the Alake of Egbaland,” he added.
The Oluwo also expressed optimism that a PDP victory would create job opportunities and bring further development to Itoku.
“With the PDP in power, those who have no jobs will get them. Our daughter, Chief Sowunmi-Kolapo, has already started great things for us in Itoku. We believe great things will continue once they are in Oke-Mosan,” he said.
He later presented Sowunmi-Kolapo as the preferred deputy governorship candidate of the community under the PDP platform and Adebutu as the preferred governorship candidate.
In her response, Sowunmi-Kolapo thanked the community for their welcome and traditional honors, describing her connection with Itoku as a source of pride.
She said she was lucky not to have struggled to establish her family roots, unlike some people who she said had faced difficulties proving their ancestry.
The PDP candidate urged residents to protect their heritage and make their own political choices based on what she described as the need to safeguard their collective interests.
“When the Ijemo supported me, we were all aware. Politics of this time is not about political parties; it is about protecting our heritage. We must not allow anyone to enslave us,” he said.
He also urged residents to vote for Adebutu and other PDP candidates in the 2027 elections, from governorship level up to other elective positions.
“You can take their money, but vote Honorable Ladi Adebutu and all other PDP candidates from top to bottom in 2027,” he said.
The event was attended by PDP leaders in Ogun State, religious leaders, traditional groups, community stakeholders and members of various local societies.
‘Want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need advertising for a product, service or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com
We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Please donate any amount HERE
