Explore Every Avenue To Nurture Epe’s Unity, Otunba TJ Abass Urges Traditional Leaders

• Otunba Abass made the statement at the reception held in honour of traditional rulers in Epe Division.

• The programme was part of events lined up to celebrate the weeklong 2023 Epe Kayokayo festival.

• The 2023 edition wrapped up last Saturday with a colourful grand finale.

Eko Hot Blog reports that Otunba TJ Abass, the Coordinator, 2023 Epe Kayokayo Festival Committee, says traditional rulers in the Epe Division are responsible for the evolution and transformation of the festival.

He made the assertion in his welcome address at the reception organised for royal fathers last Friday at the Epe Ogunmodede House, Epe, after the Jumaat prayer.

According to Otunba Abass, the monarchs, including His Royal Majesty, Oba Dr. Shefiu Adewale, Bamgbopa Eshinlokun 1, are at the heart of preserving culture and traditions that inspire the Kayokayo festival.

2023 Epe Kayokayo Festival coordinator, Otunba TJ Abass, at the reception

The Aremo of Epe kingdom noted that the festival gives the community an opportunity to showcase its culture to the world and enhance its socioeconomic development.

He also emphasised the religious significance of the annual event, saying every financial donation made by individuals towards the success of the festival fulfilled the religious obligation of alms-giving.

Some of the traditional rulers at the event

“The evolution, metamorphosis, and transformation of this iconic festival could have been possible without the support and blessing of our traditional rulers, the sons and daughters of this community,” the Kayokayo festival coordinator said.

“Kayokayo isn’t merely a festivity; it’s a rich blend of our religious, social, and cultural heritage.

“Moreover, every financial donation made by individuals towards the success of this festival finds a deep resonance with one of the creeds of the Islamic faith which is alms-giving.

“Hence Kayokayo enhances the fulfillment of our religious obligations.

“As the saying goes, until the lion tells his side of the story, the tale of the hunt will always glorify the hunter.

“Kayokayo is a narrative tool to tell the beautiful story of our community by showcasing our culture viz-a-viz, fashion, cuisine, and traditions.

“This is also targeted at not only putting us on the map but also driving socio-economic development for our community.

“At the heart of these cherished traditions and festivity are you our esteemed monarchs, who bear the noble responsibility of being custodians of our precious culture.

“There could not have been a more opportune time to make this appeal than now with well over 25 traditional rulers present here today.”

While acknowledging the critical role of traditional rulers in Epe Division, Otunba Abass urged them to keep the unity and peace the community enjoys at all costs.

Some of the traditional rulers at the event

“You are the vanguards of our community, leading with wisdom and grace. And we are in no doubt of your capability to inspire patriotism and a deep sense of giving back to society in our people. In your hands, we hope our community finds strength, unity, and a profound connection to our roots,” he said.

“Hence, my plea to you is that you explore every avenue that nurtures the unity of our community. Unity and progress, as we know them, are Siamese twins; none exists without the other.

“The state government and the political class have a major role to play and must remain an impartial and unbiased umpire.

“Rather, let us harness the immense potential we hold and work together to uplift our community, deactivating the dichotomy that might have existed.

“Lastly, it takes collective efforts to achieve collective success.

“Together, we can script a future where our community’s story shines brightly, igniting hope and inspiration for generations to come.

“Let us, therefore, for the sake of posterity, write the story of our community in gold ink and selfless cursive.”

Waka Queen, Alhaja Ibiwunmi Salawa Abeni, performing at the reception

Meanwhile, the Waka Queen, Alhaja Ibiwunmi Salawa Abeni, entertained traditional rulers and other dignitaries at the event with melodious tunes.

She kept the crowd entertained for a long time, performing for more than one hour.

Waka Queen, Alhaja Ibiwunmi Salawa Abeni, performing at the reception

The festival concluded last Saturday with a grand finale.

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