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The Eebi festival of Epe, once again brought the community into center stage once more.
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The festival brought this time even the Ijebu community who joined in the celebrations held in Epe.
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One of the highlights of the Eebi festival was the Kilajolu ceremony, a tradition unique to Epe that embodies the rich cultural heritage of the community.
EKO HOT BLOG reports that the annual Eebi festival, a cherished event among the indigenes of Epe both near and far, once again took centre stage in this vibrant community.
Spanning three months, the festival drew not only local participants but also members of the Ijebu community, who joined in the celebrations held in Epe.
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One of the highlights of the Eebi festival was the Kilajolu ceremony, a tradition unique to Epe that embodies the rich cultural heritage of the community.
Oloye Dada, affectionately known as Agbon, provided insights into the Eebi festival and its significance.
“The Eebi festival holds tremendous importance for the people of Epe, serving as an annual gathering that unites the community and reinforces our cultural roots,” he explained.
Highlighting the exclusive nature of the Kilajolu festival to Epe, the chief emphasized,
“Epe is the sole community that celebrates the Kilajolu festival. While other communities have similar caning ceremonies, it is here in Epe that the Kilajolu festival is observed with utmost authenticity and reverence.”
Elucidating the allure of the Kilajolu masquerade, Oloye Dada revealed,
“Community members eagerly anticipate being struck by the Kilajolu masquerade’s cane, as it is believed to possess healing properties. The touch of the cane is believed to alleviate ailments and promote well-being, instilling faith in our ancestral traditions.”
As a custodian of the festival, the Epe chief expressed his own commitment to the tradition.
“Receiving the strokes of the Kilajolu cane is not only a duty but also an honor for me. It is a sacred ritual that connects us with our forefathers and reinforces our cultural identity,” he added.
Oloye Dada also shed light on the ceremonial aspect of Kilajolu, adding that,
“During the festival, Kilajolu bestows cane strokes upon revered figures in the community, including the esteemed Kabiesi (HRM Oba Kamorudeen Animashaun) and the local DPO. This act symbolizes unity and respect within our community, and it is only Kilajolu who has the privilege to strike the Kabiesi.”
The cultural significance of the Kilajolu festival was further explored in an interview with HRM Oba Kamorudeen Animashaun, the Oloja of Epe. Oba Kamorudeen Animashaun, who shared the historical background of the festival.
“The Eebi festival has its roots in our forefathers’ wisdom and was instrumental in ending the slave trade in Epe,” he stated.
Oba Animashaun also elaborated on the origins of the Kilajolu festival.
“Kilajolu, formerly known as Akalajolu, was the masquerade that emerged from the southern part of town, instilling fear as it kidnapped people for slavery. However, the journey of Kilajolu concluded in Epe after a final battle, prompting our forefathers to mandate the annual celebration of Akalajolu, now recognized as Kilajolu,” he said.
Offering prayers for the community and leaders, Oba Animashaun conveyed his wishes for a peaceful and prosperous future.
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“May the upcoming government of Ashiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu bring peace and prosperity to everyone and to the country,” the monarch prayed.
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