Says it is impossible for the festival to take place without flouting government directive on COVID-19.
Monarch explains that Lagos state government is trying to address the issue of infrastructural deficit in Epe.
His royal majesty Oba Shefiu Adewale Olatunji, the Olu-Epe of Epe Kingdom, has maintained that the suspension placed on the annual Ojude Oba festival is still very much in place.
Ojude Oba is a boisterous, colourful and enthralling festival that is usually held every year on the third day of the Muslim’s Eid-el-Alda (Ileya).
The festival is graced by indigenes and non-indigenes of Ijebu land from All walks of life.
Persons of different social caliber and backgrounds attend the carnival-like event. From the cosmopolitan, urban dweller to the asocial country bumpkin, from the comfortable middle class to the dregs of the society, from the affluent business mogul to the petty traders, Ojude Oba brings everyone together.
But, as it is with every imaginable human sector and endeavour, the COVID-19 pandemic is likely to have dealt a devastating blow to the 2020 Ojude Oba, hence preventing the event from taking place.
The prevention of the festival from taking place may not come as a surprise to many observers and ardent attendees as its activities, which require cluster gathering of large people, negate the measures put in place to check the spread of coronavirus by the government and relevant stakeholders.
In an interview with Epe news, Oba Shefiu Adewale, Bamgbopa Eshinlokun 1, the Olu Epe Of Epe, said he could not afford to go against the government which is what going ahead with Annual Ojude Oba celebration and other community affairs will translate to.
The monarch said it was practically impossible for the festival to hold without a large gathering.
He, however, added that the situation could be salvaged if the participating clans resolve to comply with the social and physical distancing during traditional homages.
Also Read: Epe Local Govt Expresses Readiness For Ileya Festival Amid COVID-19, Hon Kujenya
The monarch said, “As a Royal father, I wouldn’t like to go against the directives of the government. Since it’s been directed by the concerned authorities that there should be no social gathering and Ojude Oba cannot be done without the gathering of people from different communities.
Therefore, this year’s wouldn’t hold except the traditional homages by different wards and the rules of social/physical distancing would be strictly maintained.
Immediately after the event, all community members must return to their various homes and continue the celebration.
But we pray that all these problems and pandemic would be a thing of the past before next year’s celebration.”
Speaking on the high rate of employment among youths in the town despite opportunities in the civil service, the King stressed the inadequacy of Epe local government as the only employment exchange center. ‘What we need in the community is more industries that will be able to absorb the unemployed youths into the labour market.
He disclosed that he met with elders in the town to help facilitate their employment into the service, he said.
He explained, “I have always been encouraging the youths of our community to get engaged in meaningful and lawful ways of living.
We can’t depend on the government at all times. I spoke with some elders too to assist the community by employing some of these youths.
They need to be employable with the acquisition of necessary skills that will make them competitive in the labour market and contribute to the growth of the nation
Speaking on the scourge of cultism, the first-class monarch said, “My attitude towards it is evident. There is zero tolerance to cultism in this kingdom. We want to be secured at all times.
There should not be any reason to fear or panic at any time. I believe in empowering the youths and engage with meaningful activities.
This must be a joint effort. I don’t believe in force but persuasion, and I think that’s better.”
Speaking on the Lagos state government efforts in addressing the infrastructure deficit in Epe especially in the area of access roads to Epe town, Oba Shefiu said the government was trying its best to solve the problems of deplorable roads in Epe; he added that the rain had slowed down road works and had inhibited outrightly in some situations.
He also expressed gratitude to the state government. He stated, “Firstly, I have to thank the government.
They’ve been doing wonderfully well. For instance, the ibeju/Epe road contract has been awarded, but the constant rainfall has been disturbing the palliatives.
Soonest, the work will resume fully there, and before the end of this year, we shall all have reasons to laugh.
The Epe-Ikorodu road is a semi-federal government project. I’m sure before ileya, quality measures would have been done on both roads to allow easy access to the town.”
On the proposed and abandoned waterfront and tourist attraction site, which has now become an eyesore with indiscriminate dumping of refuse and open defecations, the monarch calls for patience with the government.
“The present Governor is also planning to get the work completed as soon as possible. Let’s just be patient with the government for their timely interventions” he said
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