kakalistiq.com reports that the Epe Kayokayo Festival Advisory Board was officially inaugurated at the Olu-Epe Palace in a vibrant ceremony blending tradition, vision, and community spirit. This marks a renewed commitment to the preservation and elevation of Epe’s cherished cultural festival.
Speaking through the Balogun of Epe Kingdom, High Chief Kadri Odedeogboro, HRM Oba (Dr.) Shefiu Adewale, Bamgbopa Eshinlokun I, urged the newly inaugurated Advisory Board members to foster unity, peace, and collective purpose for the growth of Epe Kayokayo Festival and the broader Epe community.
“The board members are blessed. Their selection and approval are a great honour from the community, which, in the broader sense, is to foster unity of purpose for the development of Epe Kayokayo Festival and the entire Eko-Epe community,” the Olu-Epe said.
The Board is chaired by Alhaji (Chief) Saliu Alade-Okulu, and other distinguished members include Rep. Wale Raji (MHR) and Rt. Hon. Adeyemi Ikuforiji, Otunba TJ Abass, Mr. Tunde Thani, Alhaji Chief Tunde Bello, Mr. Hammed Osiefa, Alhaja Mariam Bajulaye-Shasi, and Barr. Omodele Ibrahim.
In his address, Alhaji Soliu-Alade Okulu called for humility, focus, and collaboration among the executive members, emphasizing that the success of the festival must be seen as a shared responsibility.
“Don’t see yourself as all-knowing; consult your team members. Your position is not an avenue to make money. No matter your position, respect your president,” he advised.
He stressed that modernization should not override Epe’s ancestral practices, especially in scheduling the festival’s grand finale to align with Muharam and Ashura Day, as historically observed. “We must not deviate from our heritage. Consult the Grand Chief Imam for the right dates. Modernization should not creep in to erase the age-long celebration,” he warned.
Okulu also extended heartfelt appreciation to the Olu-Epe for the trust placed in the new board and lauded the contributions of the immediate past coordinator, Otunba TJ Abass, for elevating the festival to new heights during his tenure.
In his welcome address, Barrister Bayo Alade-Okulu, the new Coordinator of the Epe Kayokayo Festival, highlighted several key plans:
- Repositioning the Festival: He described the establishment of the Advisory Board as a visionary step toward raising the festival to global standards, while reinforcing its historical, cultural, and religious significance.
- Financial Transparency: He announced the creation of an internal auditing system and engagement of external auditors to ensure transparent and accountable management of festival resources.
- Community Engagement: The launch of a Kayokayo Data Bank for credible sons and daughters of the community aims to foster continuous communication, fundraising, and stewardship reporting.
- Collective Action and Social Cohesion: Barrister Okulu called for deeper social, political, and economic collaboration within the community, stressing the need for collective ownership of the festival’s success.
“I advocate for unity of purpose to corroborate the spirit of altruism which the festival represents. This can be leveraged to deepen our social, religious, and cultural identity as a significant source of power and wealth,” he stated.
He also extended warm gratitude to HRM Olu-Epe, the past coordinators, and specifically Otunba TJ Abass, for laying a strong foundation. In a nod to the future, he promised improvements based on feedback from previous editions, especially addressing identified logistical challenges.
“By the Grace of Almighty Allah, greater success will be achieved on this assignment,” Barrister Okulu assured.
The Epe Kayokayo Festival Committee Chairmen have been carefully selected to steer various aspects of the celebration towards success. Hon. Wale Kujenya will oversee the Security Committee, while Hon. Isiaka Onashokun chairs the Religious Committee. Alhaja Kafayat Edu Oseni-Ope has been entrusted with the role of Entertainment Chairperson. Engr. Gbajumo heads the Publicity Committee, and Alhaja Yusuf serves as the Treasurer.
The Ceremonial Committee is under the leadership of Hon. Shamsdeen Adio Yusuf, while the Fund Raising Committee is jointly chaired by Alhaji Bolatito Abbas and Mr. Obansere. Hon. Agbadanla leads the Carnival Committee, and Mr. Yusuf Bakare serves as the General Secretary. Additionally, Mr. Akeem Seriki chairs the General Purpose Committee, with Mr. Obansere taking responsibility as the Auditor.
As drums, cheers, and prayers echoed across the Olu-Epe Palace, the spirit of unity, heritage preservation, and purposeful leadership became the anthem of the day. With revered sons and daughters of Epe now at the helm, the future of Epe Kayokayo Festival looks brighter, rooted firmly in the traditions of the past and reaching ambitiously for global excellence.
