Epe Dichotomy: Olu-Epe, Oba Adewale Calls For Unity Among Ijebu and Eko Indigenes

By Babatunde Kaka and Zainab Olanrewaju

• We should be dwelling on our similarities and not amplifying our fault lines – Olu-Epe

The Olu-Epe of Epe Kingdom, HRM Oba Shefiu Olatunji Adewale, has harped on the significance of oneness and unity among the major Yoruba natives that inhabit the ancient Epe town.

The monarch noted that the issue of Dichotomy between Ijebus and Ekos is not a subject that should be broached.

Oba Adewale was speaking when played host to the Royal Club of Epe who came to felicitate with him on occasion of his 82nd birthday and 10th year coronation anniversary.

During the visit, the club presented Oba Adewale with a birthday gift in form a photo plaque.

While presenting the gift, the representatives of the club regaled those present with a brief history of the town, noting that the fault lines of the Ijebus and Ekos is not something to worry about as it has been blurred by what they share in common.

“In 1850, when King kosoko came to Epe, he met a deserted Epe community and since then till date, we have been together peacefully and this means that our differences are not much compared to our similarities”.

In his response, the Monarch expressed his gratitude and appreciated the young group for the love and gift.

The monarch, however, stressed the need for the people of Epe to work together and live together as one big family, noting that the bedrock of development in any place is the willingness of the inhabitants to co-exist peacefully.

“We shouldn’t just be talking about the dichotomy between the Ijebus and Ekos but we should be talking about Epe as a whole”

He implored the people to learn how to tolerate one another and live together in peace so that the city of Epe as a whole can move forward.

He also enjoined them to go back and reach out to all sons and daughters of Epe irrespective of the Ethnic divide, bring themselves together to live in peace as that is the only tool that can catapult the indigenes of Epe to the next level.

He further commended and thanked everyone for the love, prayers, and support which have worked positively for the success of the two celebrations.

There’s a long history of mutual distrust among the Ijebus and Ekos. It all began when Kosoko was deposed and exiled to Epe with his followers in 1850. The decision of Kosoko to make Epe his final abode led to the Incursion and Influx of Eko Indigenes into Epe kingdom. This created a deep ethnic chasm between the settlers and natives which in subsequent years morphed into an ingrained mistrust and cold war. This ensuing dichotomy had hampered the development of the community. However, the two sides have cohabited peacefully but with distrust and not to mention how the political class have taken advantage of this dichotomy for their relevance.

The response of Kabiyesi to the statement of the youths who represent Eko Epe, was legendary and had the markings of a united and progressive Epe community.

He enjoined them to reach out to the other side and work together for the progress of the community.

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