Olu-Epe of Epe Kingdom, Alara Of Ilara Kingdom, Erelu Abiola Kuti IV, Others To Grace 2024 Kosoko Memorial Lecture

Revered monarchs, including Oba Olufolarin Olukayode Ogunsanwo, the 55th Alara of Ilara Kingdom; Oba Dr Shefiu Adewale, Bamgbopa Eshinlokun 1, Olu-Epe of Epe Kingdom; and Chief Abiola Dosunmu, Erelu Kuti IV of Lagos, along with other distinguished guests, are set to grace the 2024 Kosoko Memorial Lecture.

This year’s lecture is dedicated to honoring the remarkable legacy of the late Oba Kosoko, who ruled Lagos from 1845 to 1851.

It marks the 163rd anniversary of the return of the esteemed Lagos monarch and his lieutenants and also celebrates the third edition of this significant event.

The 2024 lecture aims to enhance cultural awareness, unity, and tourism while showcasing the rich traditions and customs of the Lagos people.

The event is scheduled for Sunday, September 8, 2024, the event will be held at the historic Glover Memorial Hall in Marina, Lagos.

The theme for this year’s lecture is “The Lagos Economy During the Reign of Kosoko: A Tale of Prosperity and the Decline.”

Other notable speakers at the event will include:

David Aworawo, Professor of International Relations and Strategic Studies at the University of Lagos.
Adewunmi J. Falode, PhD, Chair of the Department of History and International Studies at Lagos State University.

Sanni Habeeb Abiodun, a scholar specializing in the historical connections between Kosoko and the Epe region.

The presence of esteemed royal fathers from the Epe division at the 2024 Kosoko Memorial Lecture highlights the profound historical and cultural connection between Oba Kosoko and Epe.

This enduring bond is a testament to the significant impact King Kosoko had on the region, a legacy that continues to shape the cultural landscape of Lagos and its surroundings.

In 1851, Oba Kosoko, accompanied by a retinue of 1,500 followers, arrived in what is now Eko-Epe, marking the establishment of Eko-Epe as a pivotal moment in the region’s history.

This migration was not merely a relocation but a foundational event that laid the groundwork for the vibrant community that Epe would become.

King Kosoko’s arrival was instrumental in shaping the socio-political and cultural framework of the area, and his influence is still felt today.

To honor this momentous occasion, the Kayo-Kayo festival was established.

Celebrated annually, this traditional festival is a living homage to King Kosoko’s arrival in Epe.

The festival features elaborate reenactments of the historical events surrounding Kosoko’s entry into the region, including traditional dances, music, and rituals that capture the spirit and grandeur of that historic period.

Through these vibrant celebrations, the festival preserves and perpetuates the rich cultural heritage associated with Kosoko’s legacy.

The Kayo-Kayo festival serves as a cultural touchstone, keeping the memory of King Kosoko alive for new generations and reinforcing the deep-seated connection between the people of Epe and their illustrious past.

The inclusion of royal figures from Epe in the Kosoko Memorial Lecture not only acknowledges the historical link but also underscores the ongoing relevance of Kosoko’s legacy in shaping the cultural and historical identity of the Epe region.

The lecture is anticipated to offer valuable insights into Lagos’s economic history during Oba Kosoko’s era and reflect on the ongoing influence of his legacy on the region.

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