- Obasanjo, Yahaya Bello, Dapo Abiodun, others greet media guru
The Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief of The Point Newspaper, Alhaja Lateef Oyeyemi Kolapo, has been installed as the Iyalode Musulumi of Egbaland.
The title was conferred on her on Saturday by the authority of the Egba Muslim Council under the leadership of the Chief Imam of Egbaland, Sheikh Saadullahi Bamigbola.
In another installation ceremony held on Friday, January 12, 2024, Mrs Kolapo was honoured by the Muslim people of her country home, Ijemo as the Ameerah Musulumi of Ijemoland.
At her turbaning as the new Iyalode of Egba Muslims on Saturday at Egba Central Mosque Kobiti, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Mrs. Kolapo was described as a great pride of Egbaland.
In the epoch-making event attended by the crème dé la crème of thé society from all walks of life, including governors of Ogun and Kogi States, Dapo Abiodun and Alhaji Yahaya Bello respectively, Senators and Commissioners from Kogi State, immediate past Nigerian Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Sharafadeen Isola, Secretary to the Kogi State Government, Dr Ayoade Folashade, wife of a former Nigerian President, Olusegun Obasanjo, President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Chris Isiguzo, media gurus, Muslim clerics and scholars across the country among other dignataries.
In his sermon, a Muslim cleric, Alfa Muhammad Taofeek Amolegbe congratulated the Iyalode of Egba Muslims and described her as an achiever who takes after the devoutness and dedication of her father who is also a Chief in Egbaland.
Meanwhile, torrents of congratulations, felicitations and goodwill messages have greeted the double feats of Mrs. Kolapo.
Ogun State Governor, congratulated Mrs. Kolapo, saying she is a strong character with sterling leadership quality, adding that, “I am convinced that your wealth of experience, tenacity and focus will undoubtedly equip you to discharge the duty that this amazing title requires.”
In his congratulatory message, Governor Yahaya Bello said Mrs. Kolapo has represented Egba’s spirit well wherever she goes.
Addressing Kolapo, the governor said, “Your conferment with the prestigious title of the Iyalode of Egba Muslims shows that the Egba nation has not deviated from her age long tradition of rewarding excellence.
“You have represented the Egba’s spirit well wherever you go and you have brought to bear, your experience, expertise, brilliance and dedication to whatever you believe in. These have always put a green carpet under your feet.
“You deserve this magnitude and colour of celebration. You are an extraordinary being that Kogi will always want to identify with. You are Egba’s blessing to Kogi State and humanity.
“On behalf of my family, the Government and people of Kogi State, I wish you a successful reign.”
Chief Olusegun Obasanjo noted that Kolapo’s recognition reflected her sterling leadership qualities that he has noticed in her over the years.
“Congratulations, my daughter, on your installation as the lyalode of Egba Muslims today, Saturday, January 13, 2024.
“The recognition reflects the sterling leadership qualities that I have noticed in you over the years. I rejoice with you as a devout Muslim, a veteran journalist and a great pride of Egbaland.
“May your installation be filled with joy, love and unforgettable moments,” the former President of Nigeria stated.
Several others who spoke at the occasion described the new Ameerah Musulumi of Ijemoland as an accomplished communication strategist and devout Muslim who is deserving of the titles.
Giving her vote of thanks,Mrs. Kolapo lauded personalities who graced the occasion, Egba and Ijemo people among others, urging Nigerians to support President Bola Tinubu’s administration for the growth of the country.
