Oloja Of Epe 20th Anniversary – Leveraging Culture And Tradition To Position Epe

By Otunba TJ Abass

For one week running, Epe division, one of Lagos’s leading geopolitical zones has been a host to a deluge of visitors from far and near.

And that hosting would reach its crowing on Saturday, February 20, 2020, being the grand finale of a line-up of activities commemorating the 20 years on the throne of the traditional prime minister of the kingdom, the Oloja of Epe kingdom.

Some have christened it a meeting point of tradition and modernity, a converging point of who is who In the society.

They will come from the political arena, the business sector, the tradition and culture segment and more. To wit, there would also be a showcase of rare hospitality and exquisite cuisines Epe being one of the food baskets of the state and the nation

All of these is in celebration of monumental achievement and a milestone, 20 years of ascension to the throne as the custodian of the traditional values of the town, in the person of HRM Oba Kamorudeen Animashaun, the Oloja of Epe, the paramount ruler of Epe.

You wouldn’t expect less for commemorations bordering on 20 years of tremendous contribution to the socio-economic development of the community, and strategic positioning of the kingdom.

To every son and daughter of Epe, it is indeed worthy of celebration, an opinion that has also been echoed by Hon Abiodun Tobun, member House of Assembly representing Epe Central, who is also the Vice Chairman of the anniversary committee.

In an exclusive interview with EkoHotBlog, Hon Abiodun Tobun, Vice Chairman anniversary committee disclosed that arrangements for the week-long activities are in top gear to ensure a hitch-free event that will create lasting memories for those in attendance.

According to him, the committee comprises sons and daughters of the community whose financial, cerebral contribution, dedication and enthusiasm is an assurance of a successful event.

The program was well-conceived, carefully planned and will be equally implemented with the same dexterity witnessed at the conception stage.

Providing details, he said activities would kick off  Monday, February 17th with a Medical Mission at the Epe General Hospital. He appealed to members of the community to troop out in large numbers to take advantage of the free medical services.

Also, the final match of Oba Kamorudeen  Animashaun tournament would follow immediately after the medical mission at the Braithwaite playing ground. This was designed to encourage and promote sporting activities among the youths.

On Tuesday the 18th of February, there will be a symposium at the Jubille Chalet themed, “The role of traditional rulers in the socio-economic emancipation of the Nation” Alhaji Musilu Smith, Former Inspector General of police is expected to be the Chairman of the occasion.

Also, on Wednesday the 19th of February is the traditional and cultural day. An opportunity to showcase the rich cultural heritage of the town with the parade of different cultural groups and various organisation within Epe Divison and beyond.

Thursday the 20th, is a special day set aside for members of the community to come together in the spirit of brotherhood, sisterhood and also to pay homage to His Royal Majesty.

A Jumat service will hold on Friday the 21st of February. This will be followed by the installation of honorary chiefs in recognition of their invaluable contribution to the socio-economic development of the town.

Saturday the 22nd will be the Grand Finale where the celebrations will be rounded at the recreation centre and information reaching Eko hot blog has it that the presidency, Governors and other important dignitaries are expected to grace the occasion.

Conscious of the fact that where people gather in such expected number and manner, there is always a need for socials, the organisers have made all necessary provisions.

This is in the sense that top fuji and juju musicians have been lined up to thrill the guests amidst mouth-watering cuisines and drinks.  It is thus one event with several important sides – traditional and cultural, business and investment as well as Socials and leisure.

Sunday will witness a thanksgiving and church service to spiritually back up the rest of the activities.

According to the organizers, there is more to the celebrations than had been inferred. For example, it is intended to ginger the local economy, as where many people gather, they naturally create opportunities for commerce, business dialogues that could lead to the emergence of enterprises and by extension investments.

There are provisions for sporting activities with its leisure and business side inclusive.  Most importantly, the goal of the program is to bring the entire community together in a show of solidarity love and unity, the chairman said.