Epe Kilajolu Festival Extravaganza: Showcase Of A Rich Culture

• The Epe community gathered to unveil the Eebi festival and celebrate the annual Kilajolu masquerade in the 2-day event of May 10th and 11th, 2023.

• In a symbolic act, the Kilajolu masquerade lightly struck the Oba with its cane, signifying respect and honour.

• The Epe Annual Kilajolu Masquerade Ceremony not only showcased the rich cultural heritage of the Epe community but also fostered a sense of unity and reverence.

EKO HOT BLOG reports that the vibrant and culturally rich Epe community has celebrated the annual Kilajolu masquerade ceremony, marking the culmination of the month-long Eebi festival.

Held over two days on May 10th and 11th, 2023, the event captivated participants and spectators alike with its traditional rituals and joyful festivities.

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The festivities commenced at the magnificent palace of HRM Oba Kamorudeen Animashaun, the esteemed Arolugbade II, Oloja of Epe kingdom.

The air was filled with the melodious chants and rhythmic beats of women from the community, who joyously danced and sang their way into the palace grounds. The revered Oba graciously observed their performance and bestowed his blessings upon them.

The Epe Youths

Adding to the auspicious atmosphere, the chief priest arrived at the palace and made significant proclamations. He offered prayers for the well-being and prosperity of HRM Oba Kamorudeen Animashaun, ensuring his divine favor and protection.

The Oba graciously accepted the blessings and expressed his gratitude.

The Oba’s palace

Amidst heightened anticipation, the Kilajolu masquerade, accompanied by the enthusiastic people of Epe, arrived at the palace.

Each participant held a cane, symbolizing unity and strength. HRM Oba Kamorudeen Animashaun stepped forward to receive the masquerade, imparting his blessings upon it.

In a symbolic act, the Kilajolu masquerade then lightly struck the Oba with its cane, signifying respect and honour. With this gesture complete, the Kilajolu masquerade led the community members out of the palace, embarking on a joyous procession through the town.

On the second day of the event, the residence of Oloye Dada, known as “Agbon” within the Epe community, served as the venue. The day’s festivities commenced with the enchanting display of the “Imale” masquerades.

The Masquerade

These mystical figures gracefully danced through the community, preparing the ambiance for the entrance of the Kilajolu masquerade, guided by the esteemed chief priests.

Soon after the arrival of the “Imale” masquerades, the Kilajolu masquerade emerged, accompanied by the chief priests.

The priests bestowed their blessings upon the Kilajolu masquerade, signifying the divine protection and guidance for the procession ahead.

People gathered for the Kilajolu festival extravaganza

Led by the Kilajolu masquerade, the community embarked on a spiritual journey, as the masquerade traversed through the town, offering prayers and delivering gentle strokes of the cane to bless the community members.

The Epe Annual Kilajolu Masquerade Ceremony not only showcased the rich cultural heritage of the Epe community but also fostered a sense of unity and reverence among its participants.

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The month-long Eebi festival culminated in an extraordinary display of tradition, spirituality, and communal celebration, leaving a lasting imprint on the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to witness this grand spectacle.

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