The Eko-Epe Kingdom has officially named High Chief Musiliu Adeniyi Kadri as the Olu-Epe elect, in accordance with the community’s deeply rooted chieftaincy traditions.
EpeInsights reports that his emergence follows the death of the late Ọba Adewale and marks a continuation of the Kingdom’s well-established succession process.
In a Democracy Day statement, the Eko-Epe traditional council emphasized that its chieftaincy system is not hereditary but guided by structured community endorsement and cultural practice.
According to the council, the Balogun of Epe, a title previously held by High Chief Kadri, is traditionally next in line and is presented by the Mogaji Ngeri, the Kingdom’s traditional Prime Minister.
Reaffirming Kadri’s legitimacy, the council noted that he had fulfilled all Balogun responsibilities prior to the king’s passing. His ascension, it added, was in “full compliance with tradition.”
The council also addressed a longstanding internal dispute dating back to 2012, when Chief Jide Ikuforiji was removed from the Balogun stool for misconduct and barred from council affairs.
Despite ongoing legal efforts by Ikuforiji to reclaim the title, the court has so far declined to halt Kadri’s recognition and referred the matter for full hearing.
Ironically, the council pointed out, Ikuforiji himself rose to chieftaincy after his uncle, Chief Asuga, was similarly removed further affirming that such titles are earned through merit, not lineage.
Acknowledging some discontent over the exclusion of certain factions, including those tied to the Ajiborisha title, the traditional council appealed for unity.
“This is a time for healing and collective progress,” the statement concluded. “Epe’s strength lies in its tradition and unity.”
