- High Chief Kadri Adeniyi Odedeogboro affirms his installation followed due traditional process after the 3-day Fidau prayer.
- He dismisses rival claim by High Chief Olajide Iskilu Ikuforiji as illegitimate and lacking communal support.
- Community leaders call for peace and warn youths against being used
The newly proclaimed Olu-Epe-elect of Epe Kingdom, High Chief Kadri Adeniyi Odedeogboro, has broken his silence following the emergence of a rival claimant, High Chief Olajide Iskilu Ikuforiji, who has declared himself the rightful heir to the throne based on his position as Balogun of Epe.
Eko hot blog reports that In a strong statement, Odedeogboro dismissed Ikuforiji’s claim, describing it as baseless and lacking traditional backing.
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“Someone who was suspended and never served under the late Olu-Epe, Oba (Dr.) Shefiu Olatunji Adewale, cannot lay claim to the sacred throne of Olu-Epe,” Odedeogboro stated.
Addressing members of the press, he explained that his emergence as Olu-Epe-elect followed the due traditional process laid down by the forebears of Epe Kingdom.
“We gathered at the 1st Epe Central Mosque, Oke Balogun, for the 3-day Fidau prayer in honour of our revered monarch, the late Oba Shefiu Olatunji Adewale,” he said.
“Immediately after the prayers, our Traditional Prime Minister ,Mogaji Ngeria Chief Akanni Adio-Oduola, who is the highest traditional authority in the absence of a reigning king, announced me as the Olu-Epe-elect.”
He stressed that the process was transparent and endorsed by respected sons and daughters of the kingdom.
“That is how it has always been. The Olu-Epe must be publicly declared and turbaned at the mosque. What do we say of someone who was merely turbaned in his sitting room and now claims royalty?” he asked.
Odedeogboro urged residents to stay calm and maintain peace, assuring them that the kingdom’s cherished traditions and festivals would not be disrupted.
“My advice to our people is to remain peaceful and law-abiding. By God’s grace, nothing will stop us from observing our Eid prayers, celebrating the Ojude Oba Festival, and continuing all cultural activities that unite us,” he concluded.
Meanwhile, the Bashorun of Epe Kingdom, High Chief Iyanda Folarin, also weighed in on the matter, appealing to the youth not to allow themselves to be manipulated.
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“Our young people must not become pawns in the hands of those who do not have the interest of Epe at heart. They must stand firm for truth and justice,” he said.
The conflict has thrown the ancient town into a state of uncertainty, prompting the intervention of the Epe Local Government Chairman, Princess Surah Olayemi Animashaun, who has since suspended all chieftaincy installation activities to maintain public order.
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