Lagostrend report that the vibrant display of culture and tradition, youths across Epe took to the streets in a colourful rally to mark the annual Kayokayo Festival, paying glowing tribute to King Kosoko and the Late Olu-Epe.
Dressed in traditional regalia, the energetic procession paraded through major streets of Epe, accompanied by music, chants, and displays of Yoruba heritage. The rally served as a symbolic gesture to honour the legacy of the historical monarch King Kosoko, who once found refuge in Epe, and to remember the Late Olu-Epe for his dedication to the cultural development of the town.
The rally, organized by the Kayokayo Festival Committee in collaboration with youth groups, set the tone for this year’s celebration, promising a week of unity, cultural reflection, and community pride.
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.
The “epo” masquerade
“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.
See pictures below
