HRM Oba Dr Shefiu Adewale, Bamgbopa Eshinlokun I, the Olu-Epe of Epe Kingdomi
By Babatunde Kaka
EKO HOT BLOG reports that the Aremo of the Epe Kingdom and Coordinator of the 2022 edition of the famous Epe Kayokayo Festival, Otunba TJ Abass, has revealed that the modernised version of the symbolic “etufu” traditional torch which was birthed in Epe 171 years ago, would be unveiled by the Kosoko family.
Otunba Abass disclosed this during the Press Conference which heralded the commencement of the festival at the Olu-Epe Palace in Epe, where he stated that all plans have been concluded by the Kosoko family to unveil the giant torch which would be lighted through a gas.
While unveiling the program for the week-long event, he revealed that the festival wasn’t designed to expend hard-earned donations of compassionate donors on merriment alone.
He said that the committee intended to have a job fair with the Lagos State Government for the youths of the community but couldn’t hold it due to the short time frame.
As a community that places a high premium on education, he said that no fewer than 50 indigene students would benefit from the scholarship scheme initiated by the committee.
Speaking further, Otunba Abass assured the people of the committee’s resolve to leverage its unique cultural leanings to explore the enormous economic potential of the town.
According to him, the annual Kayokayo festival in Epe is a veritable platform for the celebration of the history, heritage and greatness of the ancient town of Epe in Lagos State.
“Culture is so important, that it is the key to development and it unlocks the economic potential of any community.
“We are going to give scholarships to over 50 indigent students. We have organised a medical outreach in collaboration with our health institutions to take care of our people’s health. We will offer prayers for prosperity, peace and unity of the country,” he said.
He disclosed that other events lined up for the festival includes novelty football match, cultural display, children’s party and the promotion of the local economy through the patronage of the hospitality business, local talents and others.
Also Speaking, the Olu Epe of Epe Kingdom, Oba Shefiu Olatunji Adewale, said that the festival is a religious and cultural carnival observed by the descendants and subjects of King Kosoko with their families and friends in commemoration of his arrival in 1851.
The monarch said the festival is celebrated during the first month of the Islamic calendar in commemoration of ‘Yaom-al Ashura’ the 10th day of Muharram in the Islamic calendar which is about a month after the Muslim festival of Eid-El-Kabir.
While Oba Adewale reiterated the need to be upright as citizens, he admonished the Grand Chief Imam of the Epe Division to ensure all ranks are closed amongst the Islamic faithful and leaders across the Division, assuring that he should be counted upon for support to entrench peace.
On his part, the Grand Chief Imam of Epe Division, Fadeelat Sheikh Alhaji AbdulRahmon Abiola, enlightened the gathering about the misconceptions surrounding the festival.
He stated that the festival has no links with idolatry, drawing reference from the similarity of King Kosoko’s arrival with that of Prophet Nuh in the holy Quran.
He noted that just as the Prophet landed by water after the heavy rainfall which wiped out the earth, King Kosoko also landed in Epe in 1851 by boat with over 1000 people.
He, therefore, stated that the reason behind lighting the symbolic “etufu” torch was in connection with the arrival of King Kosoko into the area at night through the river, adding that as there was no electricity around the period, the lighting of the local torch for illumination became necessary.
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