By: Lagostrend Correspondent

Outgoing Coordinator Commends Community Support, Calls for Fresh Ideas and Stronger Planning as Edu, Agoro Assume New Roles

As the Epe Kayokayo Festival Planning Committee has recorded a significant leadership transition following the resignation of its Coordinator, Adebayo Saliu-Okulu, Esq., who has disclosed a financial balance of ₦10,879,872.40 in the committee’s First Bank account as of the submission of its financial report.

Lagostrend reports that Saliu-Okulu announced his resignation in a letter dated August 31, 2026, addressed to High Chief Adio Odu-Ola, the Mogaji-Ngeri of Epe Kingdom, in which he reflected on his tenure, acknowledged the support received from stakeholders and advocated leadership renewal for the continued growth and development of the annual cultural celebration.

The development comes amid a new leadership arrangement announced by the Olu Epe In-Council, which appointed Faisu Adebayo Edu as Acting Coordinator of the Epe Kayokayo Festival and High Chief Tajudeen Moninuola Agoro, Otun Sarumi of Epe Kingdom, as Chairman of the Festival Planning Committee.

The transition is expected to usher in a renewed phase of planning, coordination and community participation in preserving the rich cultural, religious and historical heritage of Epe Kingdom.

Saliu-Okulu Reflects on His Tenure

In his resignation letter, Saliu-Okulu recalled that his appointment as Coordinator of the Epe Kayokayo Festival Planning Committee was made by the late Olu of Epe, Oba (Dr.) Sefiu Oladunji Adewale, who entrusted him with the responsibility of protecting, promoting and sustaining the cultural and religious heritage of the community through the annual festival.

Having coordinated the festival since 2024, the outgoing coordinator acknowledged the challenges associated with organising the celebration, particularly the financial and administrative demands involved in delivering a successful annual event.

However, he expressed satisfaction with the commitment, determination, diligence and teamwork demonstrated by members of the planning committee, noting that collective efforts played a significant role in navigating the challenges encountered during his tenure.

Saliu-Okulu emphasised that leadership renewal remained essential to the festival’s continuous improvement, explaining that the emergence of a new coordinator would provide an opportunity for fresh ideas, innovative strategies and improved planning processes.

“As you are aware, sir, I have emphatically stated on several occasions, a tenure’s leadership remains aligned with the best communal practices. This will enable fresh ideas coupled with good planning and coordination in ensuring best outing every year,” he wrote.

Expressing optimism about the future of the festival, he said he was confident that his successor would build on the achievements recorded and take the annual celebration to greater heights.

“I believe whosoever is appointed as the next Coordinator will take the festival to an enviable level,” he stated.

Financial Disclosure: Committee Reports ₦10.87 Million Balance

A major highlight of the outgoing coordinator’s letter was the disclosure of the financial position of the festival planning committee.

According to Saliu-Okulu, the committee had a balance of ₦10,879,872.40 in its First Bank PLC, Epe Branch account, despite what he described as significant financial challenges encountered during the planning and organisation of the festival.

He further disclosed that the committee’s activity report and financial statement, including details concerning the 2026 edition of the festival, were presented to the Mogaji-Ngeri and the Olu-Epe In-Council on August 30, 2026.

The financial disclosure provides an important account of the committee’s position at the point of reporting and highlights the significance of proper documentation, accountability and institutional continuity in the administration of a major community festival.

Appreciation to Epe Community and Committee Members

The outgoing coordinator also used the opportunity to express profound appreciation to residents, community leaders, stakeholders and well-wishers whose contributions helped sustain the annual Kayokayo Festival.

He acknowledged the invaluable support of individuals and groups who donated money, materials and other resources towards the successful organisation of the celebration, describing their contributions as instrumental to the festival’s continued success.

Saliu-Okulu equally commended members of the planning committee for their cooperation, dedication and collective commitment throughout his tenure.

“I use this medium to extend my deepest appreciation to all members of our community who have continually contributed their resources both in kind and cash for the development and yearly success of the festival,” he stated.

His appreciation underscored the importance of community ownership and collective responsibility in sustaining the festival as a cultural institution that brings together the people of Epe and strengthens their shared identity.

New Leadership, Renewed Expectations

The appointment of Faisu Adebayo Edu as Acting Coordinator and High Chief Tajudeen Moninuola Agoro, Otun Sarumi of Epe Kingdom, as Chairman of the Festival Planning Committee represents a new chapter in the organisation and administration of the Epe Kayokayo Festival.

The new leadership is expected to build on existing structures while exploring innovative approaches to planning, coordination, stakeholder engagement and community mobilisation.

With the festival serving as a major platform for celebrating Epe’s cultural identity, religious heritage, historical traditions and communal unity, expectations remain high for sustained improvements in its organisation and overall presentation.

The transition also presents an opportunity to strengthen collaboration among traditional institutions, community leaders, festival stakeholders, sponsors, residents and the younger generation, ensuring that the celebration remains relevant and attractive to future generations.

Kayokayo Festival: A Heritage Worth Preserving

The Epe Kayokayo Festival remains one of the significant cultural and religious celebrations associated with the heritage and identity of Epe Kingdom.

Beyond its ceremonial significance, the festival provides an avenue for cultural preservation, community interaction, historical remembrance and the promotion of unity among the people.

As the outgoing coordinator bows out and a new leadership team takes responsibility, attention is expected to focus on building a stronger festival institution capable of sustaining its traditions while embracing modern approaches to event management and cultural promotion.

Saliu-Okulu’s resignation, accompanied by the disclosure of the committee’s financial position and the submission of its activity report, marks an important moment in the festival’s administrative history.

With renewed leadership, community support and a commitment to accountability, planning and cultural preservation, the Epe Kayokayo Festival is poised to continue its journey as a cherished symbol of the kingdom’s heritage and collective identity.

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