- Bado-Oke descendants led the fourth Etufu lighting, honoring King Kosoko’s exile journey
- Barrister Bayo Okulu introduced innovations including street feeding and youth-led programs
- The event blended deep tradition with modern relevance, attracting a diverse and enthusiastic crowd
In a moment charged with reverence and celebration, the Bado-Oke royal descendants on Tuesday night performed the fourth Etufu lighting at the Kosoko Embankment Ground, Marina Waterfront, Epe, as part of the ongoing Kayokayo Festival 2025.
Ekohotblog reports that the Etufu, a sacred ancestral flame, commemorates the historic arrival of King Kosoko in Epe in 1851 after the British bombardment of Lagos.
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The ceremony is held annually by the four royal branches of the Kosoko lineage, with each family taking a designated turn to kindle the flame in remembrance of the past and a renewed call to cultural preservation
One of the respected chiefs in attendance described the lighting as a covenant with the past.
“The Etufu is not just a fire. It is our connection to Kosoko’s courage and the endurance of our people. Each time we light it, we say: ‘We remember, we honour, and we continue,'” he expressed emotionally.
Barrister Bayo Okulu, the Kayokayo Festival Coordinator, highlighted the spirit of innovation that now guides the festival.
“This year, we’ve gone a step further. We introduced street feeding at the Ogunmodede Club to ensure that everyone, rich or poor, shares in the joy of this heritage.
We’ve also empowered more youths to take leading roles in organizing events, games, and cultural exhibitions,” he explained.
He added that Kayokayo is not just a festival but a vehicle for communal growth, education, and intergenerational unity.
“Through new collaborations with youth forums, and cultural groups, we are planting the seeds for sustainable cultural tourism,” he said.
Attendees praised the Bado-Oke branch for upholding tradition while embracing inclusivity and modern relevance.
Young people were particularly thrilled with the infusion of tech-driven storytelling, live social media coverage, and youth performances showcasing Kosoko’s historical journey.
The night ended with blessings by spiritual leaders, a symbolic procession around the flame, and communal prayers for peace, prosperity, and the protection of Epe’s legacy.
