EPE News
Olu Epe Of Epe Sets To Celebrate 10th Anniversary Of His Coronation
By Babatunde Kaka and Zainab Olanrewaju
Celebration will be held on a low-key – Organisers
Plans are in top gear for the 10th year anniversary of the coronation of the paramount ruler of Epe kingdom, his Royal Majesty, Olu Epe of Epe Oba Shefiu Adewale, Bamgbopa Eshinlokun I.
The epoch-making event which also coincides with the birthday celebration of Oba Adewale, is billed to take place for three days, 1st – 3rd October 2020, at the Royal Palace of Olu Epe.
The event will kick off with a press conference on Wednesday 30th September, 2020 right in the royal palace.
The press conference will be followed, on the second day, by special prayers which will be offered by the three major religious societies from the community.
It will further attract cultural and traditional performances and displays from various ancestral masquerades on the third day while the grand finale will witness the active participation of government officials, private bodies, community leaders, families, friends and well-wishers.
Speaking with EkoHotBlog on arrangements and preparation for the event, Chairman of the 10th coronation anniversary, High Chief Adeniyi Odedeogboro Kadri, disclosed that the whole event will be moderate and on a low key due to COVID-19 pandemic.
The Otun Seriki of Epe Kingdom disclosed that organizers have put in place adequate security for smooth and Seamless celebrations.
He said ” The celebration will begin with a press conference at the Royal palace of Olu Epe. Our plans for the first day which is on the 30th of September is a press conference. The next day which is 1st October is set aside for interdominary prayers. Muslim organisations, CAN members and the Traditionalists will be in attendance to pray for the growth and development and longevity of life for His Royal Majesty.
“The third day will be for cultural and traditional display from Igunnuko, eyo, epo, egun ode, ijala, epa, agere and all other masquerades while the Grand Finale which will take place on October 3rd will witness the entertainment of guests and the community at large in the Royal palace because Kabiesi said he wants a low key programme. HRM does not want to expose his beloved people to COVID. If not so, Marina Waterfront or Jubilee Chalets would have been chosen as venue”.
The Otun Seriki of Epe also disclosed how funds for the celebration were raised.
He said funds were raised via donations from influential sons and daughter of the community.
” We are embarking on this event with the invaluable supports of our affluent sons, daughters and well-wishers. Notable among them are members of Eko Epe Forum, Member House of Representatives, Hon. Wale Raji who has donated generously to the committee, Hon. Tobun Abiodun and a host of others. We are still expecting supports from other NGOs and other social organizations”, he said.
High Chief Kadri also noted that the committee has opted for some of the local musical artistes to entertain the audience some of which are Omojeje, Yusuf Yusuf and Amuda Yusuf. This is solely because of the low key nature of the event.
In order to maintain COVID protocols, the High Chief hinted that measures are in place to enforce COVID-19 guidelines and protocols.
He said, ” COVID has been considered with the arrangement of seats. Also, the use of face masks will be strictly adhered to. We also plan to distribute face masks and provide handwashing points with hand sanitizers during the 3 day-long event”.
On whether there are plans in place to set up any project in the community to commemorate the anniversary, High Chief Kadri disclosed that the COVID-19 situation, and also the short time frame of the event are reasons why the committee could not embark on any project. He said:
” For now, due to the short notice of the programme, we won’t go into any special project to commemorate the 10th year anniversary. This is due to the situation on ground and that is why we are limiting ourselves to just a low key celebration which is better than doing nothing at all”
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