175th Kayokayo Festival Grand Finale: Epe Celebrates 175 Years

Six indigenous students from across Epe Kingdom received ₦200,000 scholarships each from the Kayokayo Festival Committee.
The Kosoko and Aborishade families rewarded winners of the Qur’anic competition, while Bado Isale received the top prize in the Fanti Carnival competition.
Hon. Wale Raji and Hon. Abiodun Tobun reaffirmed their commitment to the development and welfare of the people of Epe.

The ancient town of Epe came alive with a colourful blend of culture, tradition and community spirit as dignitaries, traditional rulers, political leaders, residents and visitors gathered at the King Kosoko Embankment, Epe Marina Waterfront, for the grand finale of the 175th Kayokayo Festival.

Eko Hot Blog reports that the event marked the culmination of activities commemorating the 175th anniversary of the historic festival, bringing together sons and daughters of Epe from home and the diaspora to celebrate the kingdom’s enduring legacy of faith, heritage, unity and prosperity.

The ceremony commenced with a carnival procession and the recognition of distinguished guests, while the Grand Chief Imam and President-General of the League of Imams and Alfas in Epe Division, Sheikh Imam Abdul-Sadallah Abiola Aliru, offered prayers for continued peace, progress and divine blessings upon Epe Kingdom.

Delivering his welcome address, the Coordinator and Chairman of the Epe Kayokayo Festival Planning Committee, Barrister Bayo Saliu-Okulu, described the 175th anniversary as a celebration of Epe’s rich history and a reminder of the shared values that have sustained the kingdom for generations.

“Today is more than a celebration of longevity; it is a reaffirmation of our identity, our rich heritage, our enduring faith and the shared values that continue to unite us as one people,” he said.

Barrister Okulu noted that beyond preserving culture, the Kayokayo Festival has evolved into a platform for promoting education, tourism, youth empowerment, economic growth and peaceful coexistence.

“The story of Epe Kayokayo Festival is equally a story of growth, resilience and transformation. It continues to strengthen family bonds, foster peaceful coexistence, stimulate local enterprise and inspire collective responsibility towards the advancement of our beloved Epe,” he added.

Giving his goodwill message, Prince Abiola Kosoko congratulated the people of Epe on the successful celebration of the festival, describing Kayokayo as a symbol of unity, peace and cultural pride. He urged the younger generation to uphold the customs and values handed down by their forefathers while embracing education and development as tools for building a stronger and more prosperous Epe Kingdom.

One of the highlights of the event was the presentation of educational scholarships to six outstanding indigenous students selected from Oke Balogun, Oke Oba–Popo Oba, Oke Posun-Lagbade, Bado Oke, Bado Isale and Isale Agoro.

Each beneficiary received ₦200,000, a gesture by the Kayokayo Festival Committee to support their educational pursuits and encourage academic excellence across the kingdom.

Speaking on the initiative, Barrister Okulu said the scholarship programme reflects the committee’s commitment to investing in the future of Epe Kingdom.

“Kayokayo is more than a cultural festival. It is an opportunity to give back to our community. By awarding ₦200,000 scholarships to these students, we are investing in their future and encouraging them to remain focused on their education,” he stated.

The grand finale also featured the presentation of prizes to winners of the Qur’anic competition, sponsored by the Kosoko Family and the Aborishade Family, in recognition of excellence in Islamic learning and scholarship.

Similarly, prizes were presented to outstanding participants in the Fanti Carnival competition, with Bado Isale emerging as the overall winner after an impressive display of cultural performances, creativity and discipline.

In their separate remarks, the Member representing Epe Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Wale Raji, and the Member representing Epe Constituency I in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Abiodun Tobun, reaffirmed their commitment to the continued growth and development of Epe Kingdom.

They pledged sustained support for initiatives aimed at improving education, infrastructure, youth empowerment and economic opportunities, while commending the Kayokayo Festival Planning Committee for preserving the rich cultural heritage of the kingdom.

The event concluded with appreciation to sponsors, volunteers, traditional institutions and members of the planning committee whose collective efforts ensured the successful hosting of the landmark celebration.

The 175th Kayokayo Festival grand finale once again demonstrated that the annual festival remains not only a celebration of Epe’s rich cultural heritage but also a platform for promoting education, rewarding excellence, strengthening communal bonds and inspiring sustainable development across the kingdom.