Sowunmi-Kolapo, who is the Iya Sunnah of Egbaland and Ameerah of Ogun State, was installed and decorated at the Ake Palace in Abeokuta on Thursday, 1 October 2026.
The ceremony, attended by Muslim leaders, political stakeholders, traditional figures and other members of the community, was held under the theme, “Socio-Economic Stability: A Fortress for Global Security.”
The installation comes ahead of the 2027 governorship election and provided an opportunity for Sowunmi-Kolapo to call for greater civic participation among Muslims.
She urged voters to reject electoral violence, vote-buying and political apathy, while encouraging Muslims across the state to participate actively in determining the country’s political leadership.
Speaking after her installation, Sowunmi-Kolapo described the honour as a sign of confidence and support from the Muslim community.
She expressed gratitude to the Ogun State Muslim Council, noting that the position came with significant responsibilities.
Sowunmi-Kolapo also acknowledged the legacy of the late Chief Khadijah Adebisi Edionseri, who previously served as Iya Sunnah of Egbaland and Grand Matron of the council’s Egba Zone.
“Stepping into her shoes is a big deal for me. I pray Almighty Allah guides my steps and makes the journey fruitful,” she said.
She thanked members of the Muslim community for what she described as their strong support throughout her political journey and the process leading to her installation.
The new Grand Matron also used the occasion to encourage greater political participation among Muslims, arguing that the community should not remain passive on matters affecting its future.
She said religious leaders and community members needed to recognise the importance of political participation and the role of voting in shaping governance.
“Our power is in our votes,” she said, while urging Muslims to participate in the democratic process without resorting to violence or accepting inducements.
Sowunmi-Kolapo called on Muslim parents, leaders and community stakeholders to educate young people on responsible democratic participation and the importance of making independent choices at the polls.
Earlier, the Ogun Muslim Council, Egba Zone, highlighted the links between socio-economic conditions, education, security and global stability.
Delivering a lecture on the theme of the event, Sheikh Sulaimon Faruq Onikijipa, OON, urged governments to prioritise security, education and the economic wellbeing of citizens.
He said social stability would remain difficult to achieve where citizens lacked access to quality education, adequate security and the basic socio-economic conditions required for dignified living.
Also speaking at the ceremony, Senator Prof. Iyabo Obasanjo commended the Muslim community for honouring Sowunmi-Kolapo and supporting her role as the PDP deputy governorship candidate.
Obasanjo described the new Grand Matron as humble, faithful and kind, while acknowledging her contributions to the Muslim community.
