The Itoku community in Abeokuta, Ogun state, has pledged its support for the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) governorship ticket of Oladipupo Adebutu and his running mate, Hajia Lateefat Sowunmi-Kolapo, ahead of the 2027 election.

The pledge was made on Saturday during a grand homecoming reception for Sowunmi-Kolapo, whose maternal grandmother, Alhaja Rabiat Bakenne (née Akinyele), hailed from the Akinyele compound in Itoku.

Community leaders, residents, religious organisations, market associations and political supporters turned out in large numbers to welcome the PDP deputy governorship candidate, who is the Iya Sunnah of Egbaland and the first Ameerah of Ogun state Muslims.

The reception also featured the conferment of two chieftaincy titles on Sowunmi-Kolapo in recognition of her contributions to Islam, community development and humanitarian service.

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 title of Olootu of Itoku Land.

The Itoku Muslim Community, led by its Baba Adeen, Alhaji Chief Shuaib Olaleye Aro, and the Chief Imam of Itoku Central Mosque, Alhaji Taofeek Bakare, also installed her as Ummu-L-Khaer of Itoku Muslims in Egbaland.

The Muslim community said the title was in recognition of her meritorious service to Islam and humanity.

Earlier, a prominent grassroots politician in Abeokuta, Alhaji Moshood Akinyele, popularly known as Americo, formally presented Sowunmi-Kolapo to the Oluwo of Itoku, describing her as a shining light of the community.

Akinyele said she had made significant contributions to Abeokuta and Ogun state despite not having held public office, adding that the honours reflected the community’s appreciation of her service and the legacy of the Akinyele family.

The Oluwo, joined by religious leaders, raised Sowunmi-Kolapo’s hand amid cheers from the crowd and openly endorsed the Adebutu-Kolapo ticket.

He declared that Itoku was firmly behind the PDP, urging residents to mobilise support for the party in the 2027 governorship election.

“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.”

According to him , “We have all resolved to vote for the PDP. Let us tell those who are not here. Our resolution is fully backed by our revered father, the Alake of Egbaland.”

The traditional ruler expressed optimism that a PDP victory would create employment opportunities and sustain development in the community, adding that Sowunmi-Kolapo had already begun contributing to Itoku’s progress.

He also formally presented her as the party’s deputy governorship candidate for 2027, alongside Adebutu as its governorship candidate.

In her response, Sowunmi-Kolapo thanked the community for the reception and the traditional titles, saying she was proud of her ancestry and connection to Itoku.

“I am happy I did not struggle before connecting with my family, unlike some who have been struggling to prove their ancestry.”

She said the forthcoming election should be viewed beyond party affiliations, arguing that protecting the community’s heritage and interests was equally important.

“The politics of this time is not about political parties; it is about protecting our heritage. We must not allow anyone to enslave us,” she said.

She urged residents to accept money offered by politicians during the campaign but vote for Adebutu and other PDP candidates in the 2027 election.

“You can take their money but vote for Hon Ladi Adebutu and all other PDP candidates from top to bottom in 2027.”

The event was attended by PDP leaders in Ogun state, traditional chiefs, Muslim and Christian leaders, traditional religious representatives, community development groups, market men and women, cultural troupes, and other residents.

The main road leading to Itoku was reportedly blocked during the reception, while several shops closed as residents joined the celebrations.