- Otunba Yinka Thanni was honored by the Epe Diaspora in Vancouver on his birthday.
- Alhaji Alade Saliu Okulu-Baameto represented the Epe Kingdom, providing a strong cultural link.
- The surprise event, anchored by Otunba TJ Abass, showcased the solidarity of Epe indigenes in Canada.
The Epe Diaspora community in Vancouver, Canada, came together in a spectacular display of cultural unity and affection to celebrate the birthday of Otunba Yinka Thanni.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the surprise event, which took the celebrant completely off guard, served as a vibrant testament to the strength of the Epe identity, even thousands of miles away from the ancestral soils of Lagos State.
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Vancouver’s serene evening backdrop was momentarily transformed into a piece of the Epe Kingdom, as the air filled with the familiar sounds of celebration, brotherhood, and the high-level professional decorum that characterizes the Epe elite.
The event was anchored by the distinguished Eko Hot Blog publisher and community leader, Otunba TJ Abass.
His role as the moderator provided a seamless structure to the evening, ensuring that the transition from the initial surprise to the formal tributes was handled with elegance.

Abass, a veteran in managing high-profile communal gatherings, used his platform to highlight the significance of the milestone, describing it as a season of maturity and deepened responsibility.
His anchoring was not merely administrative; it was an exercise in cultural preservation, as he skillfully wove traditional protocols into the modern Canadian setting, making every guest feel the weight and joy of the occasion.
Adding a layer of profound traditional significance to the gathering was the presence of Alhaji Saliu Alade Okulu-Baameto of Epe Kingdom. The Baameto, a high-ranking title holder, sat as a symbol of the Kingdom’s enduring reach.

His presence among the event’s key participants provided a bridge between the homeland and the diaspora, reinforcing the notion that no indigene of Epe is ever truly alone, regardless of where they reside.
The Baameto’s attendance was noted by many as a singular honor for Otunba Yinka Thanni, signaling the high regard in which he is held by the traditional institutions of Epe.
It was a visual and spiritual reminder that the roots of the Epe people run deep, anchoring them firmly even in the face of the shifting winds of global migration.
The Epe indigenes residing in Vancouver and across various Canadian provinces turned out in impressive numbers, showcasing a unified front that impressed observers.
For a community living so far from home, the birthday celebration was more than just a party; it was a reaffirmation of their shared heritage. Speakers at the event lauded Otunba Yinka Thanni for his role as a pillar of support and a beacon of integrity within the diaspora.
Thanni is viewed as a leader of the new generation, one who successfully navigates the complexities of professional life in North America while remaining deeply invested in the progress and welfare of his people back in Nigeria.
As the night unfolded, the atmosphere remained one of pure joy and cultural pride.

The surprise was executed with military precision, leaving the celebrant visibly moved by the outpouring of love from his kinsmen.
The celebration concluded with traditional prayers for longevity and continued prosperity, followed by a reception that featured the hospitality for which the Epe people are renowned.

The event has set a new standard for diaspora celebrations in Vancouver, proving that the spirit of the Epe Kingdom is not bound by geography, but is carried in the hearts of its sons and daughters wherever they go.
This milestone marks a new chapter for Otunba Yinka Thanni, as he continues to serve as a vital link between his ancestral home and his community in Canada.
Watch the video highlights HERE





