In a vibrant show of culture, solidarity, and youthful energy, kakalistiq.com reports that the ancient kingdom of Epe was lit with movement, music, and fun on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, as the Epe Youth Forum staged a symbolic rally in honour of two historical pillars: the 1851 voyage of King Kosoko of Lagos and the legacy of the late Olu-Epe of Epe Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Oba Dr Shefiu Adewale Bamgbopa Eshilokun I.
Led by the Forum’s President, Comrade Giwa Murtala Omotola and his Deputy , Engineer Gbajumo Ahmed, the rally gathered thousands of enthusiastic young people including youthful and entertaining “epo” masquerades who trooped out in traditional regalia and aso-ebi, dancing through the streets of Epe in a spirited procession of unity, heritage and remembrance.
“We do this annually as our own version of Youth Day,” Giwa said during an interview. “As President, I see it as my duty to lead the youths in this enduring trek to commemorate the 2025 edition of the Kayokayo Festival.”
Giwa who is also the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Babajide Sanwoolu on Vocational and Technical Education, described the rally not just as a celebration, but a cultural statement.
“What we did today is to move all out to solidarize with ourselves and celebrate Kayokayo in line with the norms, culture, and traditions of our community,” he noted. “For us to move forward, we need to come together as one. Unity is the key to achieving our dreams and actualizing our aims.”
The rally was also deeply reflective, especially following the recent demise of HRM Oba Dr Shefiu Adewale Bamgbopa Eshilokun I.
“It’s sad that we lost our energetic and productive Olu-Epe,” Giwa said solemnly. “Yes, it’s normal in any kingdom for more than one person to jostle for a position. But in the end, we must unite. Even the Alaafin of Oyo went through similar phases before emerging. There’s light at the end of the tunnel.”
The procession began from the palace of the late Olu-Epe in Isale-Agoro, where the youth leadership paid tribute to the memory of the late monarch. They also paid homage to the former Olori Olu-Epe, Alhaja Aribike Adewale, at the family’s country home before weaving through the heartbeat of the community: from Araromi, Oke-Owode, Oke-Balogun to Ita-Opo, Recreation, and Kasali Oluwo; then down Lagos Road, Roundabout, Hospital Road, Ikesan, Shade, Oke-Iposu, Ayetoro, Lagbade, Popo-Oba, Bado-Oke, Bado-Isale, Sabo, and finally the historic King Kosoko Embarkation Center at Marina.
Earlier in the day, the youth rally paid respects at the palace of HRM Oba Kamorudeen Ishola Animashaun, Arolugbade Elepe II, the Oloja of Epe Land. Though the revered monarch who reached out to the surprise visitors in kind was unavailable due to pressing communal duties, the visit underscored the deep respect of the kingdom’s youth to traditional institutions.
The event featured the presence of emerging youth leaders making strides at the state and national level including: Mr. Kaka Babatunde, Senior Legislative Aide to Rep. Wale Raji on Youth and Media; Comrade Ogunbanwo Ibrahim, State Treasurer, National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) Lagos; Senator Saheed Rahmon, Rep., Lagos East Senatorial District, Nigerian Youth Parliament; Hon. Odunare Mahruf, Deputy Speaker, Lagos State Youth Parliament and Ambassador Kadri Abiola, President, League of Epe Division Youths and Students Association (LEYOSA).
The rally, a key prelude to the grand finale of the 2025 Kayokayo Festival, not only revived Epe’s vibrant history but also reminded the community of the unifying power of culture, especially in a time when unity is more needed than ever.
As the chants of celebration echoed across Epe’s streets amidst a blend of pop-culture and tradition, the message from the youth was clear, Epe Kingdom’s heritage is alive, its legacy respected, and its future, united.
