By Babatunde Kaka
EKO HOT BLOG reports that the Olu-Epe Of Epe Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Oba Dr Shefiu Adewale has reincarnated the historic arrival of King Kosoko of Lagos.
The octogenarian, in commemoration of the 2022 edition of the famous Epe Kayokayo Festival, recreated the decade-long memories of King Kosoko’s arrival with thousands of his subordinates to Epe in 1851 through visitation to historical sites and royal houses across the kingdom.
The Olu Epe was accompanied by his Chiefs, some of who are Chief Wale Mogaji, Chief Jamiu Balogun, Chief Lekan Ajiborisha, Chief Shobaloju, Chief Kadri Odedeogboro and Chief Muniru Badru.
Others in attendance are the wife of Olu-Epe Kingdom, Olori Aribike Adewale and the Grand Chief Imam Of Epe Division, His Eminence, Fadeelat Sheikh Alhaji Abiola AbdulRahmon Sadala.
EKO HOT BLOG correspondent at the occasion witnessed the visitation take off from the Family Compound of Olu-Epe, Amuni, Agoro, Agaba, Anifowoshe, Ottun and others.
Oba Adewale used the medium to share nostalgic childhood memories with family members and relatives. In particular was when he recalled how his stubborn self and the current Lagos State Deputy Governor, His Excellency Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, would beat and bully their peers along the current Eid praying ground.
Unable to withstand the rigours of the long list of places to visit, Oba Adewale retired to his palace, delegating the exercise for his chiefs to complete.
Accompanied by the young and the old, the train of families, friends and well-wishers danced from one historical site to another as DJ Walex blasted a blend of funky, secular, contemporary and indigenous musical tunes from his deck.
In addition, the flare and fanfare of Kayokayo celebrations were brought alive by a team of band men trumpeting and beating thrilling tunes of trendy musical records.
Going back and forth like a tide, the visitation exercise touched the hills and valleys where the notable historical sites and royal houses are situated.
Knowing fully well that the exercise was a task to statutorily accomplish irrespective of the challenges, the Chiefs and their entourage visited places listed on their itinerary some of which are the tomb of the First Olu-Epe, Abidakun, the tomb of First Baale of Epe, Baale Iyanda Oloko, the 6th Baale of Epe, Baale Buraimoh Edu, Oba MD Kassim, Baale Ikujeniya and the Oba Balogun Agbajes, I-III.
Royal Houses visited include, Balogun Oshodi Tapa, Chief Iposu, Chief Ajiborisga, Chief Balogun, Chief Sarumi, Chief Odedeogboro, Chief Shobaloju, Chief Seriki Odibo, Chief Abass, Chief Shabi, Chief Bamgbose, Chief Kaka, Balogun Ajeniya, Chief Akingbade amongst others.
The visitation was a veritable platform for sons and daughters of the Epe kingdom who painstakingly partook in the visitation to get familiarised with the historical trajectories of the Epe Kingdom.
Speaking with old folk, Mr Ibrahim, in an interview, noted that modernity has eaten deep into the society that the exercise has become shortened, thereby giving room for some places to be struck out for visitation.
“In the days of Olu-Epe Balogun Agbaje, the visitation was always overcrowded and you dare not leave around 8 p.m. because that’s when the beauty begins to hit its climax.
“We can have up to three sets of band men and by 10, 11 and 12 am, we’re still visiting. But these days, there’s been modifications to the long list of places to visit. This is our cultural heritage and it must not be allowed to die,” he said.
From the view of the youth of the community, Kudirat lamented the pains experienced through the long trek, stressing that it was her first time but it was worthy to embark upon owing to the rich history it was deeply rooted in.
“It’s 6 p.m. and I’m not only tired but worn out. The trek is too long, I couldn’t have envisaged the visitation to be this time-consuming but I am proud to have witnessed this.
“As far as I’m concerned, this is an excursion. What I’ve seen so far is unimaginable. Who would have thought that those houses by the roadside have in them treasures that must be kept for historical purposes? I saw canon guns, I saw Chief Oshodi’s sword and some other beautiful artworks at Iposu’s palace.
“What excited me most was the story of Baale Iyanda Oloko who was said to have sailed the King Kosoko boat and 1,500 people to Epe from Lagos in 1851. That’s huge,” she said.
Having completed the visitation, the Chiefs led the people back to the Olu-Epe palace, excited about the triumphant accomplishment of the visitation.
As customary from time immemorial, the Mogaji of each historical site and families visited presented gifts and other mouthwatering goodies to Oba Adewale, his Olori, the Chiefs, the Youths and others in appreciation of the warm visit.
It was indeed a significant moment of reincarnation of the past heroes of Epe Kingdom, where their impactful lives and times in contribution to the socio-economic advancement of the town were retold.
More importantly, were the prayers offered at the mausoleum of the deceased, a remarkable practice of the adherents and devotees of the Islamic religion across the globe.
See more pictures from the visitions:
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