- Bado Oke descendants held the Etufu Lighting Ceremony at Kosoko Embankment Ground as part of the 175th Kayokayo Festival.
- Community leaders emphasized peace, unity, vigilance, and collective responsibility as keys to Epe Kingdom’s development.
- Traditional prayers were offered for reconciliation, an end to disputes, and lasting peace across the community.
The descendants of Bado Oke on Saturday gathered at the Kosoko Embankment Ground, Marina Waterfront, Epe, for the Etufu Lighting Ceremony, one of the traditional highlights of the 175th edition of the Kayokayo Festival.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the event ceremony brought together traditional chiefs, community leaders, royal families, youths, and residents in a celebration of Epe Kingdom’s rich cultural heritage, while serving as a platform for renewed calls for peace, unity, and communal development.
Speaking at the event, Hon. Ikujenya emphasized that lasting peace and unity remain the foundation for meaningful growth and progress in any community. He urged residents to put aside their differences and work collectively towards the development of Epe Kingdom, noting that a divided community cannot attain its full potential.
“Peace and unity are the greatest gifts any community can have. We must continue to love one another, support one another, and work together if we truly desire lasting progress and development in Epe,” he said.
He also appealed to residents to remain security conscious, urging them to be vigilant and exercise caution when accommodating visitors.
“We must be mindful of the people we allow into our homes, irrespective of our previous relationship with them. Everyone has a responsibility to protect the peace and security of our community by remaining vigilant and reporting suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities,” he added.
Also addressing the gathering, High Chief Adefolarin Iyanda explained the cultural importance of the Etufu Lighting Ceremony, describing it as a cherished tradition that symbolizes hope, guidance, and the continuity of Epe Kingdom’s heritage.
He stressed that the significance of the ceremony extends beyond tradition, as it serves as a reminder that peace, unity, and mutual respect are essential for preserving the customs handed down by the forefathers.
“Etufu Lighting is a symbol of our identity and history. As we preserve this tradition, we must also preserve the spirit of unity that binds us together as one family,” he said.
High Chief Aborishade also called on residents to continue promoting peaceful coexistence among all families and communities in Epe, offering prayers for enduring peace, stability, and progress across the kingdom.
“We pray that peace will continue to reign in our land. May God strengthen the bond of unity among our people and bless Epe Kingdom with lasting prosperity,” he prayed.
In her remarks, Olori Aribike Adewale offered heartfelt prayers for the community, asking God to bring an end to every lingering dispute and restore lasting unity among the people.
She prayed that love, understanding, and mutual respect would prevail in every part of Epe Kingdom, enabling the community to continue experiencing growth, harmony, and divine blessings.
The ceremony reached its climax as the descendants of Bado Oke marched in unity to perform the symbolic lighting of the Etufu, accompanied by traditional songs, prayers, and cultural displays that reflected the enduring heritage of Epe Kingdom.
