kakalistiq.com reports that the serene town of Epe was cloaked in grief yesterday as thousands of indigenes and residents gathered to bid farewell to a revered monarch, His Royal Majesty, Oba Dr. Shefiu Adewale Bamgbopa, Eshilokun I, the Olu-Epe of Epe Kingdom.
The monarch’s passing came as a shock to many, stirring emotions of loss, reverence, and gratitude for a life devoted to peace and service.
Among the prominent figures present at the burial held at his Epe residence was Hon. Wale Raji, Member of the House of Representatives representing Epe Federal Constituency. With visible emotion, he joined the community in mourning the traditional ruler who he described as “a leader whose humility and wisdom shaped the modern Epe.”
“This is a heartbreaking loss,” Raji said, while addressing journalists. “We never saw this coming. Kabiyesi was not just a king to us, he was a father, a counselor, and a man whose love for his people was unmatched. He ruled with the fear of Almighty Allah, always guided by fairness, compassion, and a deep commitment to communal progress.”
The late monarch, known for his calm disposition and spiritual depth, ascended the throne as Olu-Epe with a reputation as a seasoned community leader. His reign was marked by efforts to unite the kingdom, foster development, and uphold justice and tradition in equal measure.
Reflecting on their personal relationship, Rep. Raji recalled years of close mentorship long before Oba Bamgbopa ascended the throne.
“I knew him as a big brother,” he said. “We worked closely even before he became king, and when I was elected into the House of Representatives, his counsel became one of my greatest assets. He had a unique way of managing people, of guiding without dictating, he truly understood leadership.”
According to Raji, the monarch’s passing leaves behind “a deep vacuum, not just in the palace, but in our hearts and in the direction of our community.”
He added: “Epe has lost a pillar. Personally, I’ve lost a confidant. May Almighty Allah comfort his family and grant our community another visionary who will build upon the legacy he has left behind.”
As funeral prayers continue, tributes pour in from far and wide from traditional rulers to government officials and residents, all echoing the same sentiment: HRM Oba Dr. Shefiu Bamgbopa was a king who led with a rare blend of grace, firmness, and divine wisdom.
His passing, though sudden, is a reminder of the enduring impact of purposeful leadership. The people of Epe now look to the future with a prayer, that his successor will continue the path of unity, development, and godly rulership that Oba Bamgbopa so passionately embodied.
