L-R: Ogun State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ganiyu Hamzat; the Deputy Chief of Staff, Dr Oluwatoyin Taiwo; the new Iyalode of Egba Muslims, Alhaja Lateefat Oyeyemi Kolapo; wife of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Chief (Mrs) Bola Obasanjo; and Senator Abubakar Ohere during Alhaja Kolapo’s installation as the Iyalode of Egba Muslims on Saturday
* Govs Abiodun, Bello celebrate Iyalode of Egba Muslims
By Nudoiba Ojen
It was a moment of joy and celebration at the Central Mosque, Kobiti, Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital on Saturday as frontline journalist and publisher of The Point Newspapers, Alhaja Lateefat Oyeyemi Kolapo, was installed as the Iyalode of Egba Muslims.
Guests at the events including the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun; Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello; Ogun State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ganiyu Hamzat; and wife of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Mrs Bola Obasanjo, showered praises on Yemi Kolapo as she was honoured on the occasion.
Governor Abiodun, who celebrated Alhaja Kolapo, describing the honour as a well deserved, noted that her installation “is a testament to her life of service as a devoted Muslim marked by strong morals. This installation is an endorsement of her strength of character and sterling leadership qualities.
Governor Abiodun, represented by his Deputy Chief of Staff, Dr Oluwatoyin Taiwo, spoke at the Central Mosque, Kobiti, Abeokuta, during the installation ceremony of Alhaja Kolapo, a former Group Business Editor of the PUNCH Newspapers, as the Iyalode of Egba Muslims.
The governor said, “As the brand new Iyalode of Egba Muslims, I am confident that your wealth of experience and personal attribute, including courage, philanthropy, tenacity and focus will undoubtedly equip you to discharge the duties of this new role.
“The fact that you have been found worthy of this significant position among the Egba Muslim community should be regarded as an endorsement of your strength of character and sterling leadership qualities.
“The Egba Muslim community is sure to benefit from your invaluable contributions and unwavering commitment to service on this higher pedestal,” he said.
In his remarks, Governor Bello, disclosed that the installation of Alhaja Kolapo showed that Egbaland has not deviated from its age long culture of rewarding excellence and brilliance, noting that the new Iyalode represents the Egba spirit very well in every capacity she has found herself.
Governor Bello, who was represented by Senator Abubakar Ohere, also commended the experience, expertise, and dedication of Alhaja Kolapo to duty, saying that her conferment was well deserved.
Earlier in his message, the Mufasiru of Egbaland, Dr Taofeek Amolegbe, while congratulating the new Iyalode of Egba Muslims, urged her to continue to be a coordinator of people around her.
Amolegbe also described the title of Iyalode of Egba Muslims as a title meant for those who can manage others around them.
