kakalistiq.com reports that what began as a solemn gathering in honour of the late monarch, Oba (Dr.) Shefiu Adewale, in the sacred edifice of the First Epe Central Mosque, Oke-Balogun, turned into an unforgettable moment in Epe’s history, as the community witnessed the emergence of a new Olu-Epe-Elect, High Chief Adeniyi Kadri Odedeogboro, the former Balogun of Epe Kingdom in a dramatic yet dignified twist that left many both surprised and inspired.
The event was originally convened as a Fidau prayer, a traditional Islamic rite held to pray for the repose of the deceased. Attended by an illustrious gathering of Epe’s finest, traditional leaders, clerics, intellectuals, and community stakeholders, the day bore all the hallmarks of reverence and unity.
Among those present were the Prime Minister and Mogaji-Ngeri of Epe Kingdom, Chief Adio Oduola; the Grand Chief Imam of Epe Division, Fadeelatul Sheikh AbdulRahmon Sadallah; Baba Adinni of Epe Division and former Lagos State Commissioner, Arc. Wasiu Abiola Anifowose and Associate Prof. Nosiru Onibon, President of Bado-Isale Descendants Forum
Others are Retired Lagos Permanent Secretary, Mr. JB Sanuth, respected Ulamas; members of the Olu-Epe-in-Council, Baales, members of the Epe Ogunmodede Club, and other eminent sons and daughters of the land.
But what was expected to be a purely spiritual moment quickly evolved into a historical turning point.
In a voice marked by clarity and conviction, Chief Adio Oduola, the Prime Minister and Mogaji-Ngeri, rose to address the gathering. He revealed that in his final days, the late Oba Shefiu Adewale had left a sacred directive: that his successor be publicly announced and turbanned three days after his transition, a tradition deeply embedded in the community.
That successor, he proclaimed without hesitation, is none other than the Balogun of Epe Kingdom, High Chief Adeniyi Kadri Odedeogboro, a man rooted in royal heritage and respected for his unwavering service to the community. With the authority vested in him as Prime Minister, Chief Oduola summoned the Balogun for the official turbaning.
What followed was a moment that will long be etched in the collective memory of the people. In an extraordinary show of harmony between the Islamic and traditional arms of leadership, the Ulamas solemnly rose and accompanied High Chief Odedeogboro into the mosque’s inner chambers. Moments later, he re-emerged, now clothed in the regalia of royalty, the 20th Olu-Epe of Epe Kingdom.
Spontaneous joy broke out. The mosque swelled with songs of praise, chants of gratitude, victory, and heartfelt expressions of unity and pride. Epe had a new king, not by politics or power play, but by tradition, foresight, and divine timing.
Addressing members of the press shortly after his turbaning, the Olu-Epe-Elect expressed deep gratitude.
“I am truly humbled by this honour,” he said. “My sincere appreciation goes to our traditional institutions and Islamic leaders for preserving the will of our late king. I promise to devote myself to the peace, growth, and development of Epe. Together, we shall build on the foundation laid by our forebears.”
The celebration did not end at the mosque. A jubilant procession, filled with songs, drums, and dancing, moved toward the sacred burial grounds of the Bado-Isale lineage, home to revered past monarchs including the first, second and third Balogun Agbajes and the Mogajis of the royal family. There, heartfelt prayers were offered in gratitude for the new chapter that had just begun.
As the day wore on, well-wishers trooped to the residence of the new Olu-Epe-Elect, where traditional chiefs and family members made impromptu arrangements to receive and entertain guests who had come to rejoice with their new leader.
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With this remarkable event, the Eko-Epe community has once again demonstrated its strength in unity, reverence for tradition, and its ability to blend spiritual solemnity with royal succession. A new era has begun, and it bears the promise of legacy, vision, and progress.
