- Isale Agoro descendants held the Etufu Lighting Ceremony as part of the 175th Kayokayo Festival.
- Oloye Agoro and Olori Aribike Adewale called for peace, unity, and the preservation of Epe’s cultural heritage.
- Community leaders urged the younger generation to embrace the history and traditions of Epe Kingdom.
The descendants of Isale Agoro on Thursday night gathered for the symbolic Etufu Lighting Ceremony, one of the traditional activities commemorating the 175th edition of the Kayokayo Festival.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the colourful ceremony attracted traditional chiefs, community elders, royal descendants, youths, and residents, who assembled to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Epe Kingdom while reaffirming their commitment to peace, unity, and communal development.
Addressing the gathering, High Chief Agoro traced the significance of the Etufu Lighting Ceremony to the history of Epe Kingdom, describing it as a treasured cultural tradition that symbolizes hope, guidance, and the enduring legacy of the forefathers.
He explained that the annual ceremony serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by the kingdom’s ancestors and the collective responsibility of every indigene to preserve the customs and values that have sustained the community through generations.
“Etufu is a symbol of our history and identity. As we continue to celebrate this tradition, we must also remain committed to peace and unity because they are the foundation of every progressive community,” he said.
Oloye Agoro urged residents to continue embracing one another regardless of their differences, stressing that unity remains the key to achieving lasting growth and development in Epe Kingdom.
Also speaking, Olori Aribike Adewale called on the people of Epe to preserve the values of love, harmony, and mutual respect that have defined the kingdom for centuries.
She noted that while the Etufu Lighting Ceremony celebrates the rich history of the people, it also serves as an opportunity to reflect on the importance of reconciliation and collective responsibility.
“We must continue to pray for peace in our land and remain united as one family. When there is love and understanding among us, our community will continue to experience progress and divine blessings,” she said.
An elder in the Isale Agoro community also emphasized the importance of passing the traditions and history of Epe Kingdom to the younger generation.
He encouraged parents and community leaders to teach children the significance of the Kayokayo Festival and the Etufu Lighting Ceremony, noting that preserving cultural heritage begins with educating the next generation about their roots.
The ceremony reached its climax as the descendants of Isale Agoro marched together to perform the symbolic lighting of the Etufu amid traditional songs, prayers, and cultural displays, reaffirming their commitment to preserving the customs, history, and unity of Epe Kingdom.
The event further highlighted the enduring message of the 175th Kayokayo Festival—promoting peace, strengthening communal bonds, and preserving the rich cultural heritage of Epe Kingdom for generations to come.
