By Babatunde Kaka
Eko Hot Blog reports that The dynasty of King Kosoko of Lagos, led by the Oloja-elect of Lagos, HRH Abiola Kosoko, on Friday 15th September 2022 has said that all plans are in place to install a gigantic statue in honour of the brave and powerful Lagos king.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the statue measuring a total of 18 feet in height, it was disclosed, would be sitting comfortably at the entry point of Ereko-Idumota, Lagos Island.
It was gathered that a 12 feet pedestal would sit on a 6 feet height totalling 18ft. The Massive statue according to reports can be spotted on Carter bridge, 3rd Mainland bridge and Eko bridge as not even market stalls or any other thing objects could obstruct its view.
Unveiling the Marquette of the statue at the 160th celebration of the return of King Kosoko to Lagos alongside Dr Sanuth, Otunba TJ Abass, and Secretary of Epetedo Indigenous Association, HRH Abiola Kosoko noted that the trio of Epetedo, Epe and Iga Kosoko shared the same bond with King Kosoko as the unifying colossus.
The Oloja-elect stressed that the exodus of 1851 birthed Epe while the return in 1862 established Epetedo. He averred that to forge a united front to further strengthen the lofty ideals of King Kosoko’s heritage, it is important to meet regularly.
Some of the Baales from Epe
He disclosed that one of the phenomenal impacts of such meetings held in 1973 among Lagos, Epetedo and Epe stakeholders was the emergence of the late iconic Olu-Epe of Epe, HRM Oba MD Kassim.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the event which was honoured by the Serikin-Hausa of Lagos, Alhaji Kabiru Garba and other notable Lagos indigenes was a commendable show of love and solidarity.
The Oloja of Lagos in his admiration of the turn-out at the event said:
“On behalf of the Hausa-Fulani community here in Lagos, I thank the Oloja of Lagos, I thank the Kosoko family for accommodating us for giving us the opportunity to live here in Lagos peacefully”.
Some High Chiefs from Epe at the event
Eko Hot Blog reports that the Olu-Epe of Epe Kingdom, Oba Dr Shefiu Adewale, Bamgbopa Eshilokun I, who was represented by a powerful delegation of Epe chiefs commanded by the Otun Balogun of Epe Kingdom, High Chief Wale Mogaji alongside Chief Kadri Odedeogboro (Otun-Seriki), Chief Muhideen Shobaloju (Sarumi), Chief Muniru Badru (Seriki) and several ‘Baales’ across the towns King Kosoko touched during the Exodus.
Olu-Epe admonished that it was important to widen the scope of the King Kosoko heritage both in Epe and Lagos Island adding that the initiative of the cultural heritage being celebrated should also be extended to those in Badagry.
He emphasized further that it was imperative to support the lofty innovations of the current generation of leaders, whom he said, have worked in seamless synergy to modernize the King Kosoko heritage.
He added that the innovations would serve as a launchpad to further harness the unity, cohesion and sincerity of purpose in the larger family scattered all over the globe.
Reflecting on the essence of carving the King Kosoko palace into an A-list monument and tourism destination by the Lagos State Government in an interview with Ekohotblog, High Chief Wale Mogaji said:
“When you go to Brazil, you will see many of our people there. So, through tourism, we will establish this linkage, and you will now realize that blacks are good people. It is not about the negative aspect all the time.
“Historically, apart from reading from the books, it would also be nice for visitors to see physically and practically. Who is Kosoko? People have to know and if they are here to see his antecedents coupled with the artefacts, relics and the rest; it will enrich their knowledge.”
Earlier in his address, while unveiling the Marquette, the Coordinator of Epe Kayokayo – one of the biggest cultural festivals in Epe Division and Lagos, Otunba TJ Abass said the event is unprecedented and historical.
“They say a nation that forgets and ignores its history does not have a past nor present and the future. This man here that we are about to unveil is the man that changed the course of history not only in Lagos but of course the entire continent of Africa.”
TJ Abass acknowledged the passion, dexterity, vigour, bravery, resilience and phenomenal military prowess of the erstwhile Lagos King despite the destructive bombardment of Lagos by the British Government.
“Lagos is a way of life; Lagos is a tradition and it’s fine to perpetuate it. They sent him out of Lagos, he went into exile in Epe. When he left Lagos for Epe, he never gave up on his quest to make Lagos the best it has always been. He came back and he never became the King of Lagos.”
TJ Abass who is also the Aremo of the Epe kingdom added that the event was a re-enactment of the 1851 exodus to Epe and back to Lagos in 1862. He clarified that:
“If we do not tell our story from our cultural perspective, what else can we tell? That’s what we are doing here today. Let’s take it to another level, let’s raise the bar, let’s use it to address the socio-economic challenges we have in our community.”
He noted that it was incumbent on everyone to promote the Kosoko heritage across boards. He challenged the gathering to envision a bigger and better celebration in the coming year.
He, therefore, used the medium to admonish families and communities from Lagos Island such as Epetedo, Isale-Eko, Lafiaji, Olowogbowo, Campos and others to join in celebrating the annual Epe Kayokayo festival, stressing that the umbilical cord of King Kosoko was binding on everyone.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the climax of the culturally edifying event was the moment the Oloja-elect presented the Serikin Hausa of Lagos with a plaque. In response, the gathering was astounded when the Serikin Hausa of Lagos presented an award to the Oloja elect.
The ‘Olori Ebi’ of the Kosoko dynasty, Alhaja Ashabi All-Balogun was celebrated by the entire family in a money-spraying fashion as the local music band and the Ijo Real cultural troupe dazzled the audience with their artistic creativity.
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Some High Chiefs from Epe at the event
Some of the Baales from Epe
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