The Democracy That Sailed In On Red Water: 9 Years After 6 Epe Citizens Perished In A Boat Accident

By Otunba TJ Abass

The sun of Saturday 28th March, 2015 rose with a promise on Epe sky as the town pulsated with the rhythm of a democratic heartbeat; it was the day the fate of the nation would be decided in a presidential election; the same cycle of election that had ushered in the first Epe indigene as the governor of our dear state.

Adewale Olakunle

Political chants and slogans echoed in the air, banners raised in political affiliations, mouthpiece of each candidate made last-minute promise of salvation.

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While this democratic ritual lasted, marketplaces were alive with the calls of sellers and haggling of buyers, the stomping of hoes on farmlands, the laughter of happy children on courtyard.

Then, as if the clear sky was a stage, suddenly the sun brought its enthralling performance to an abrupt end, packed her instruments, retreated to backstage and drew the curtain.

Mogaji Gbolahan

A gloomy cloud walked up the stage instead, and struck a gong which rang with a tragic tune.

What followed was the grim news that rippled through the town like a thunderclap about the death of six sons of the community who lost their lives while returning from election supervision.

The boat conveying  Muftau Penu, Adewale Kunle, Mogaji Gbolahan, Bello Muiz, Agoro Shamsideen and Mogaji Wale capsized, dreams and aspirations shattered, and six promising lives at their prime cut short and the Epe community was thrown into a deep mourning mood. This tragedy changed the course of history in the ancient town forever.

Bello Muiz

Despite the tragedy, the people of Epe showed remarkable resilience and strength. They banded together to support one another and rebuild their community, demonstrating the ability of the human spirit to overcome even the most challenging circumstances.

The AMBSAM Memorial Foundation was created to assist the deceased’s family, and the construction of the Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation Center (which is yet to be completed) at the Epe General Hospital further demonstrated the strength and resilience of the community. Their perseverance and determination inspire us to face our challenges with courage and hope.

Salau Tunde (His demise not related to the boat accident)

Epe’s democracy is prized, treasured more than diamond and sapphire. It was not paid for in dollars or pounds, rather, human blood was given in exchange.

The safeguards of our democracy were soldiers without uniform and military ranks. We stood and watched as their warm blood mingled with the cold water our river; the same river which had cradled our collective dreams and aspirations for many generations.

The spilling of our heroes’ blood was not the judgement some terrestrial gods or ancestral spirits as an appeasement for a transgression; rather, it was a bold statement of patriotism pulsating in their veins as they had embarked on the journey that fateful day nine years ago to monitor the presidential election.

Agoro Shamsideen

We have since etched nine strokes on the canvas of our shared history, each stroke carrying a weight of remembrance and gratitude to our heroes.

Behind every fallen hero lies a story of love, sacrifice, and unfulfilled aspirations. The laughter and warmth that once filled their homes have been replaced by the haunting silence of their absence. Still in this grief, we find the strength to honour their memory as well as the democratic values they lived and died for.

Mogaji Wale

Their death transcends the bounds of personal loss for their immediate family but remains our collective loss as a community and reminds us of the frailty of life and the intertwining of our destinies as a people.

Ultimately, it has given us a clearer lens to view our democracy and a good reason to cherish it.

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We have therefore channelled our grief into positive change with the AMBSAM Memorial Foundation, resolved to make the legacy of our heroes live on, not just in our memories, but also in the lives touched by this foundation.

Late Muftau Penu

Today, let’s take a minute,1 minute to throw some prayers to the sky for the departed souls of our clansmen.

May the light of our democracy continue to shine as the souls of our heroes continue to rest in peace

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