The Peoples Democratic Party’s 2027 deputy governorship candidate in Ogun State, Hajia Lateefat ‘Yemi Sowunmi-Kolapo, has urged indigenes of the state to reject money politics and protect their cultural and religious heritage through responsible political participation.
Sowunmi-Kolapo made the call after she was installed as the Grand Matron of the Ogun State Muslim Council, Egba Zone, at the Ake Palace, Abeokuta, on Thursday.
The PDP deputy governorship candidate, who is also the Iya Sunnah of Egbaland and Ameerah of Ogun State, urged Muslims and other citizens to recognise the power of their votes and resist attempts to influence their choices with financial inducements.
She said political power should be used to protect the interests and heritage of the people, warning that citizens who remained passive could lose the opportunity to shape decisions affecting their communities.
Sowunmi-Kolapo also appealed to parents, religious leaders and other stakeholders to educate young people on responsible democratic participation, saying elections should reflect the genuine choices of voters rather than the influence of money or violence.
She described her installation as a significant honour and expressed appreciation to the Ogun Muslim community for its support, noting that the position came with a responsibility to serve and uphold the values associated with her predecessors.
The ceremony, held under the theme, “Socio-Economic Stability: A Fortress for Global Security,” attracted Muslim leaders, traditional figures, political stakeholders and other members of the community.
Speaking on the theme, the guest lecturer, Sheikh Sulaimon Faruq Onikijipa, OON, called for greater government attention to security, education and citizens’ economic wellbeing, while Senator Prof. Iyabo Obasanjo commended the Muslim community for honouring Sowunmi-Kolapo.
