By_ Qasim Edu
Kayo-Kayo remains a worldwide notable date in Islam called ‘Aashurah.
It’s usually 10th day of Muharram encouraged by the noblest of mankind, Prophet Muhammad (SAW) to move closer to Allah through fasting and other righteous deeds.
‘Aashurah is said to be a victory day to many prophets of Allah in the past including Prophet Nuh (AS) who was commanded by Allah to construct a boat, selected humans and various animals in pairs in order to depart their town for another location as Allah has decided to destroy their present town for their misdeeds.
History has it that Prophet Nuh did as instructed and left their town with a Ship for unknown location but later embarked at a location at night, lighted a torch light for illumination and they later settled down.
Epe Kingdom, the co-migrant of King Kosoko to Epe in 1851 has a similar story like Prophet Nuh (AS), King Kosoko decided to go on exile due to a cold war with his Uncle King Akintoye in which he (Akintoye) enjoyed the support of the colonial master. King Kosoko and other notable personalities in Lagos like The Chief Imam of Lagos, Imam Audu, Iposu, Iyanda-Oloko, Oshodi-Tapa, Ajiborisha, Ajeniya, IKujenya, Agoro and other 1,400 including Buraimoh Edu who was said to be the youngest among the migrants departed Lagos for Epe in solidarity for King Kosoko.
It was reported that they sailed to Epe by the Lagoon after several stop overs at Badore, Igbodu and later disembarked at Ebute now Marina, lighted an Etufu for Illumination and later settled at Epe.
Olu Epe of Epe kingdom,Oba Shefiu Olatunji Adewale
Being a large Muslim community, Epe Kingdom adopted Kayo-Kayo as a cultural festival to mark the similarities of their resettlement at Epe and that of Prophet Nuh (AS).
Since the peaceful settlement of Eko-Epe community here, Epe has witnessed several local and international attentions towards development.
Records have it that 14 baales and 4 Olu-Epe have steered the affairs of this community till 2009.
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The peace, unity and development agenda of the present monarch Oba Dr. Shefiu Olatunji Adewale, Bamgbopa-Esinlokun I, Olu-Epe of Epe kingdom, can never be under estimated. He mounted the throne of his ancestors in 2009 and was installed in August, 2010 as the 5th Olu-Epe of Epe kingdom.
The 2021 edition of Kayo-Kayo Festival will mark the 170 years Anniversary of Epe Kingdom but could not be held as usual due to Covid-19 pandemic and protocols, as a result of this, 4 activities shall be held for its celebration as we pray to Allah to grant us longer lives to witness the subsequent editions which is expected to experience a proper celebration as usual with several innovatives ideas of international standards.
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