Residents and youth leaders in Epe have called on the Lagos State Government to intervene urgently in the prolonged Obaship succession crisis, warning that the continued leadership vacuum could threaten peace and stability in the historic coastal town.
Epe Insights reports that seven months after the death of the Olu-Epe of Epe, Oba Shefiu Olatunji Adewale in May 2025, Epe still awaits the appointment of a new traditional ruler amid unresolved claims from rival contenders.
Community members had expected a swift and peaceful transition following the monarch’s passing, but the succession process has been stalled by disagreements, competing claims, and rising tensions among supporters of the two factions.
Efforts by community elders to mediate the dispute have so far yielded limited results, leading to growing frustration among youth groups who say the deadlock has left Epe without customary leadership.
The crisis reached a critical point during the last Sallah celebrations, when fears of potential unrest prompted the Epe Local Government to suspend Eid prayers at the town’s Eid ground. The suspension was later rescinded by the Lagos State Government, which reassured residents of adequate security and urged calm.
Despite a state-facilitated dialogue that produced a temporary agreement and renewed emphasis on peace and order, community members say no concrete action has been taken to conclude the enthronement process.
At a recent gathering, youths led by Alhaji Musbau Adeola Agoro assembled at the residence of the Baamofin of Epe Kingdom, Chief Tunde Seriki, to formally express their displeasure and urge traditional leaders to appeal to the state government for decisive action.
In response, Seriki appealed for calm and restraint, emphasising that any breakdown of law and order should be avoided, and expressed confidence in the government’s capacity to handle the matter fairly.
Stakeholders also referenced concerns raised by Alhaji Omodele Ibrahim, President of the Epe Ogunmodede Club and Alakoso of Epe Kingdom in the United Kingdom, who described the prolonged impasse as deeply unsettling for residents and urged swift resolution.
Community stakeholders insist that only the Lagos State Government has both the authority and moral standing to mediate a resolution that would be widely accepted as fair, transparent, and just by all parties involved.
As tensions continue to simmer, Epe residents are appealing for decisive government intervention to restore traditional leadership, preserve peace, and safeguard the unity and cultural heritage of the historic town.
