- Bado Isale descendants held the second Etufu Lighting Ceremony as part of the 175th Kayokayo Festival.
- Alhaja Alade Raji called for peace and unity, saying it would pave the way for greater progress and the emergence of a king in Epe.
- Prince Agbaje traced the history of the Etufu to King Kosoko’s arrival in Epe, describing it as a symbol of guidance and hope.
The descendants of Bado Isale on Saturday gathered in a colourful display of culture and unity for the second Etufu Lighting Ceremony, one of the traditional activities marking the 175th edition of the Kayokayo Festival.
Eko Hot Blog reports that held as part of the annual Kayokayo festivities, the ceremony attracted traditional leaders, chiefs, royal descendants, community stakeholders, and residents who assembled to celebrate Epe’s rich cultural heritage and reaffirm the values of unity and peaceful coexistence.
Addressing the gathering, Alhaja Alade Raji gave a brief historical account of the significance of the Etufu Lighting, describing it as a cherished tradition that symbolizes guidance, hope, and the enduring heritage of the Epe people.
She also appealed to residents to embrace peace and harmony, noting that unity remains essential to the growth and development of the kingdom. According to her, peaceful coexistence among all families and communities would create the right atmosphere for Epe to have a king, a development she said would further accelerate progress.
“Everyone should work together in peace and harmony so that our community can have a king. That will make things work better for us and bring greater progress and development to Epe,” she said.
Prince Agbaje, in his remarks, recounted the historic journey of King Kosoko from Lagos Island to Epe, explaining that the Etufu was the first light that illuminated the path for the monarch and his followers upon their arrival in Epe.
He explained that the light became a symbol of hope and direction for the new settlers and drew a comparison with the biblical account of Noah, noting that just as God guided Noah through the flood, the Etufu served as a guiding light that led King Kosoko and his people safely to their new home.
“The Etufu was the first light that welcomed and guided King Kosoko and his followers when they arrived in Epe. It remains a symbol of hope, direction, and the foundation of our history,” Prince Agbaje stated.
Also speaking, the Baale of Ita Asin emphasized the importance of the Etufu Lighting Ceremony, describing it as one of the key traditional rites that has continued to define and preserve the identity of the Kayokayo Festival over the years.
High Chief Folarin also highlighted the significance of the Kayokayo Festival, stressing the need for all sons and daughters of Epe to remain united regardless of family or community affiliations.
“Kayokayo is a festival that belongs to all of us. We must continue to live as one big family, uphold our traditions, and work together for the progress of Epe Kingdom,” he said.
The ceremony reached its peak as the descendants of Bado Isale marched together in a colourful procession to perform the symbolic lighting of the Etufu, demonstrating their shared commitment to preserving the customs and traditions of Epe Kingdom.
The procession, accompanied by traditional songs, chants, and cultural displays, added another memorable highlight to the 175th Kayokayo Festival, reinforcing the enduring values of unity, peace, and cultural preservation that have sustained Epe Kingdom for generations.
