Hajia (Dr.) Yemi Sowunmi-Kolapo, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) deputy governorship candidate in Ogun State, received a significant religious honour at the 60th Olohungbo Maulud Nabiyy anniversary in Abeokuta.
She was conferred with the title of Iya Adinni Qadriyyah of Ogun State during the all-night gathering of Muslim worshippers and Islamic scholars. The new title adds to her existing roles as Iya Sunnah of Egbaland and Ameerah General of Ogun State.
The celebration was held under the leadership of Sheikh Qaribullah Nasir Kabara, who attended with a delegation of scholars from Kano. Muslim faithful from across Nigeria and beyond joined the event.
Sheikh Abdul Azeez Olohungbo, leader of the Qadriyyah Sufi movement in Ogun State, announced the title and offered special prayers for Sowunmi-Kolapo and her principal, Hon. Oladipupo Adebutu, the PDP governorship candidate.
The recognition comes as Sowunmi-Kolapo strengthens her public profile ahead of the 2027 election. The PDP formally unveiled her as Adebutu’s running mate in June.
A veteran media practitioner, publisher and public affairs strategist, she was the first female Group Business Editor of The Punch newspapers. She also served as Special Adviser on Corporate Communications and Strategy to former Minister of Finance and Industry, Trade and Investment, Olusegun Aganga.
In recent months she has stepped up grassroots engagements, attending community meetings, religious programmes and party mobilisation events across Ogun State.
Her interfaith outreach has also drawn attention. In August, shortly after the Maulud, she attended the 50th anniversary thanksgiving of the Diocese of Egba, where she spoke on religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
Supporters in places such as Obantoko have described her as someone who “lives among us,” reflecting the local appeal she is building.
Sowunmi-Kolapo has publicly emphasised voter participation, electoral integrity and the need for citizens to protect their votes through lawful means.
While religious blessings at community events do not amount to formal electoral endorsements, the visibility of the new title and the prayers offered by Qadriyyah leaders add another layer to the PDP ticket’s public image.
As the 2027 contest gathers pace, Sowunmi-Kolapo continues to present herself as a figure bridging journalism, strategic communication, community work and religious leadership in Ogun State.