- Epe and Oluwo Model Fish Market hosted the maiden Aje Festival led by Chief (Mrs.) Ajimo Omodudu.
- Traditional leaders and traders offered prayers for wealth, peace, and progress.
- Market leaders pledged support for the new Iyalaje’s leadership and vision.
Epe Land witnessed a colourful display of culture and spirituality as the newly installed Iyalaje of Epe Land, Chief (Mrs.) Ajimo Omodudu, celebrated her maiden Aje Festival at the Epe and Oluwo Model Fish Market.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the event, held in honour of the goddess of wealth, brought together market leaders, traditional chiefs, and traders who came out in large numbers to pray for prosperity, peace, and profitable business transactions across all markets in Epe Division.
Traders temporarily left their stalls to join the procession led by the Iyalaje and other traditionalists, offering prayers and sacrifices to the goddess of wealth (Aje) for continuous blessings and financial growth.
Speaking on the significance of the festival, the Agbon of Epe Land, High Chief Yesiru Dada, emphasized the importance of maintaining harmony between spirituality and commerce.
“Aje means wealth, and it has a spirit that must be appeased to stay with us. There’s nothing we can do in this world without money — that money is Aje,” he said.
“This is a model market where people buy and sell daily, and it’s important to do the needful so that businesses continue to thrive and peace reigns among traders.”
He further commended the traders for embracing the new Iyalaje, noting that the acceptance of Chief Ajimo Omodudu’s leadership marks a new dawn for women traders in Epe.
Other market leaders, including Chief Yekini Nureni, Babaloja General of Epe Division; Chief Saliu Olajumoke, Iyaloja of Epe Ero Market; Mrs. Adewunmi Ibrahim, Iyaloja of Oloja Estate Market;
Mrs. Moriam Alugbin, Iyaloja of Ladaba Kingdom; and Alhaja Olamiji Muritala, Iyaloja of Papa Market, congratulated the Iyalaje on her successful installation and prayed for her continued wisdom and guidance.
They assured her of their full cooperation, promising to work hand in hand to promote peace and prosperity across all markets in Epe Division.
The festival was marked by drumming, dancing, and traditional rites, signifying the strong cultural bond and communal unity of the Epe people.
