- Oke Oba–Popo Oba descendants held the Etufu Lighting Ceremony at Kosoko Embankment Ground, Marina Waterfront, on Wednesday.
- High Chief Muyideen Shobaloju described Kayokayo as a celebration of Epe’s history, faith, and cultural identity.
- Otunba Wale Balogun urged residents to preserve peace and unity while passing Epe Kingdom’s rich cultural heritage to future generations.
The descendants of Oke Oba–Popo Oba on Wednesday night gathered at the Kosoko Embankment Ground, Marina Waterfront, Epe, for the symbolic Etufu Lighting Ceremony as part of activities marking the 175th edition of the Kayokayo Festival.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the colourful ceremony brought together traditional chiefs, royal descendants, community leaders, youths, and residents who assembled to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Epe Kingdom and reaffirm their commitment to preserving its cherished traditions.
Speaking during the event, High Chief Muyideen Shobaloju highlighted the significance of the Kayokayo Festival, describing it as an enduring symbol of the history, faith, and cultural identity of the Epe people.
He explained that the Etufu Lighting Ceremony remains one of the festival’s most important traditions because it serves as a reminder of the journey of the forefathers and the values of unity, peaceful coexistence, and cultural preservation that have sustained the kingdom for generations.
“Kayokayo is not just a celebration; it is the story of our heritage, our faith, and our identity. The Etufu reminds us that we must continue to uphold the traditions handed down by our forefathers and remain united as one people,” he said.
In an interview, Otunba Wale Balogun described the Kayokayo Festival as a unifying force that has continued to bring together sons and daughters of Epe from across Nigeria and the diaspora.
He noted that the annual celebration has strengthened family ties, promoted cultural identity, and created an opportunity for indigenes living abroad to reconnect with their roots and contribute to the development of their hometown.
“Kayokayo has always united the people of Epe. It is a season when our people return home from different parts of the world to celebrate our history, strengthen family ties, and contribute to the growth of our community,” he said.
Otunba Balogun further observed that although the world has become more technologically advanced, the people of Epe must remain committed to the values of peace, unity, and mutual respect.
“We are now living in a world driven by technology, but we must never allow modernisation to take away our unity. Let us continue to live in peace and harmony so that we can preserve this rich heritage and pass this good legacy to the next generation,” he added.
The ceremony culminated with the descendants of Oke Oba–Popo Oba performing the symbolic lighting of the Etufu amid traditional songs, prayers, and cultural displays at the Kosoko Embankment Ground, reaffirming their commitment to preserving the customs, history, and values that define Epe Kingdom.
The event further underscored the central message of the 175th Kayokayo Festival—promoting peace, strengthening unity, and preserving the cultural heritage of Epe Kingdom for future generations.
