- Kayokayo Festival begins with royal prayers at Popo Oba, led by Olu-Epe-elect and Council
- Major quarters in Epe visit the palace with gifts, prayers, and homage
- Prof. Onibon and Alhaja Alade Raji call for unity and community harmony
In commemoration of the 2025 Kayokayo Festival celebrations, the ancient town of Epe witnessed a colorful and spiritually significant royal homage and visitation ceremony, paying tribute to tradition, unity, and the memory of past monarchs.
Ekohotblog reports that the day began at the Kosoko Statue in Popo Oba, where the Olu-Epe-elect, Oba Kadri Musiliudeen Odedeogboro, alongside the Olu-Epe in Council, led special prayers for all departed monarchs and prominent sons and daughters of the town.
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The solemn moment drew both community leaders and residents in deep reflection and reverence.
“This prayer is for the souls of our fathers who laid the foundation of the peace and culture we enjoy today,” the Olu-Epe-elect said briefly after the intercession.
“Their memory guides our steps as we continue the journey of Epe’s greatness.”
Following the prayers, the royal train proceeded to the palace of the Olu-Epe-elect, where delegates from the major quarters of Epe, including Bado Isale, Bado Oke, Oke Posun/Lagbade, Isale Agoro, Oke-Oba/Popo Oba, and Oke-Balogun, paid their homage to the incoming monarch.
Each quarter brought symbolic gifts and prayers, expressing loyalty, love, and goodwill for a peaceful reign and a more prosperous Epe under the leadership of Oba Kadri Odedeogboro.
“This royal visitation is a reflection of our tradition of respect and unity. It strengthens the bond between the palace and the people,” said one of the quarter representatives during the presentation.
Delivering a heartfelt message during the event, Professor Nosiru Onibon appealed to all sons and daughters of Epe to embrace unity and togetherness as the foundation for lasting progress.
“We must remember that we are one big family in Epe. Politics, titles, or status should never divide us. The beauty of Kayokayo lies in this show of love, loyalty, and brotherhood,” he said.
Professor Onibon also emphasized the significance of the royal visitation, describing it as one of the key cultural moments that reaffirms the collective strength and harmony of the kingdom.
Also speaking at the ceremony, Alhaja Alade Raji commended the unity displayed by all the quarters and praised the Olu-Epe-elect for his humility and openness.
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“This is the Epe we want to see,peaceful, progressive, and united. May the spirit of Kayokayo continue to bring us together in love and development,” she said.
The royal visitation is one of the most symbolic traditions of the Kayokayo Festival, serving as a powerful reminder of Epe’s deeply rooted heritage, respect for monarchy, and communal solidarity.
