EPE ESE IGA AND HONOURABLE IKUFORIJI RAISE THE HOSTING BAR

By Otunba TJ Abass

Anyone could have mistaken it for a grand political gathering, or just a music fiesta. Especially with the melodious sounds from the array of instrumentations , and the gaily dressed and sophisticated individuals milling around, the ingredients for a music carnival was almost complete.
But the event of this auspicious Saturday was more than a music carnival. It was the monthly Eseiga, a gathering of the sons and daughters of Epe division in solidarity, and aimed at forging mutual fellowship and strengthening cultural, economic and political ties.

Chairs and tables were adorned in white and blue silk cloth, with a cocktail of caterers standing by to do the bidding of the gathered.

The venue was the palace of the king, His Royal Majesty, Oba Shefiu Adewale, the Olu Epe of Epe, it was not a surprise therefore that the whole arena was quite animated and impressive.

ESE-IGA usually held at the last Saturday, is as old as the ancient city itself, and has, in addition, become an educational tool to advance and propagate the rich tradition of the community.
It is a night of relaxation and entertainment that sons and daughters always look forward to every month.

The process of selecting the sponsor of each edition falls under the purview of the ESE-IGA committee, a 7-member body that has its principal officers with various responsibilities.

The committee is responsible for nominating the host , a criterion,being the level of contribution that such an individual has made  towards the development of the community, All other functions, planning and organising also fall under the purview of the committe.

No wonder the hosts of the festival are true sons of the soil  whose contribution to the socio-political terrain of  the Lagos state cannot be quantified.

“The strength of any nation is derived from its home” and charity they say begins at home, His political success and the global recognition would not have been feasible without strong home support which explains his readiness, his enthusiasm, and willingness to sponsor the ESE IGA for the month of June.

Besides his political acumen, his uncommon love for the community is also instrumental for his being nominated.

Hon Adeyemi Ikuforiji, former speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly was the sponsor of ESE -IGA for the month of June and he did it grand style.

The event commenced at 8.30 pm, in the dignified presence of His Royal Majesty,the Olu Epe of Epe, Oba Shefiu Adewale.
He was clad in a sky blue outfit, comfortably seated on a chair specially made for the occasion, acknowledging well-meaning sons and daughters of the community who stopped by to pay homage to the highly revered custodian of the traditional values of the kingdom.

The caterers, the hostesses were all ready to start dishing out the sumptuous meal to the guests who have comfortably taken a position on seats allocated to them, particularly those allocated to each compound in the community.

The activities were indeed, well-choreographed waiting for the arrival of the sponsor of the day, Honorable Adeyemi Ikuforiji.

He showed up at 11.00 p.m amidst thunderous ovation by friends and well-wishers.
Dressed in a gold silk long outfit tailored to accentuate the tall physique that commensurate with his religious title as the Are Musulumi of Epe Kingdom, Honorable Ikuforiji while acknowledging the show of love from the enthusiastic supporters proceeded to the palace along with his entourage to pay homage.
It was both a homage-paying and prayer session, which had always been part of the tradition.

Honorable Ikuforiji and his entourage finally settled down on the seats reserved for him and his entourage.

Honorable Abiodun Tobun also in his his assessment says “I have been to several ESE-IGA.I have missed but
few but I can tell you this is one of the best organized ESEIGA.The food is delicious. The music is soothing and relaxing. The security arrangement is next to none and you couldn’t ask for a friendlier crowd than what we have now; all these are attestation to a successfully planned and executed ESIEIGA.What a perfect arrangement .What a perfect night organized and sponsored by a perfect man, my political benefactor, Honorable Yemi Ikuforiji,”

Honorable Abiodun Tobun is a member House of Assembly representing Epe Central.
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Honorable Bode Garbadeen in his assessment of the event says,”This is a great night and a much needed  forum for this community; a forum that provides opportunity  for social interaction and constructive discussion on issues that are germane to the progress and development of the community and still uphold the our values and traditions of our community”

“I am just happy to be here to support my brother, Honorable Yemi Ikuforiji, I truly commend him and his team for successfully hosting ESE IGA”, Honorable Wasiu Odeyemi (Wastab)

What is worth mentioning at this ESEIGA is the presence of all every family compound represented by the head of each family and members of the family all seated in a reserved space and each family house was allocated its own caterer.

The event continued with the traditional Royal dance with His Royal Majesty and his traditional Chiefs, Honorable Ikuforiji and members of this entourage.

Because every aspect of the ceremony was indeed intriguing, the people did not notice the gradual passage of time.The activities rolled on well into the wee hour to the satisfaction of all guests in attendance.

The music palate was kept active all through with good renditions from Femi Solar and the SJB

Of course, there have been so many ESEI-IGA in the past, but none can compare to the June edition.

It was not just that it was hosted by a noble son of the soil, but because it was a compact package that attracted the best of organisation.

This account would not be complete without such compliments moreso because it has raised the bar for subsequent sponsors since I have been called upon to sponsor the October edition.

Congratulations to the Celebrant.

For more pictures, click here: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1cTF4aQqIvk1E0LXw5vjhpqg-bF_Tle-u

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