Organisers of the 2026 Epe Kayokayo Festival have unveiled a lineup of activities for this year’s celebration, reaffirming the festival’s place as one of Lagos State’s foremost cultural and religious events.
Epe Insights reports that the Chairman of the Kayokayo Festival Planning Committee, Chief Babatunde Oduola, announced the programme during a press conference, revealing that the festival will hold from July 3 to July 11, 2026.
Chief Oduola explained that the annual festival commemorates the historic arrival of King Kosoko in Epe in 1851, an event that shaped the town’s cultural and religious identity.
He described the Kayokayo Festival as more than a cultural celebration, noting that it represents Epe’s enduring history, Islamic heritage, and shared aspirations for unity and development.
According to him, the festival symbolises a glorious voyage, a rich cultural legacy, and the collective prosperity of the people of Epe.
Chief Oduola expressed appreciation to the Lagos State Government for its continued support over the years. He acknowledged the government’s contributions toward sustaining the annual festival.
While thanking the state government, he appealed for increased assistance to preserve and expand the festival’s cultural and tourism potential.
He also called on residents, indigenes, and visitors to actively participate in this year’s activities, describing the festival as a celebration that belongs to the entire Epe community.
The planning committee chairman urged residents to remain peaceful despite discussions surrounding the vacant stool of the Olu-Epe. He appealed for unity, stressing that differences should not divide the community.
Also addressing journalists, the Coordinator of the 2026 Kayokayo Festival, Barrister Bayo Saliu-Okulu, assured the public that comprehensive security arrangements had been made for the celebration.
He said security agencies and relevant stakeholders had been engaged to ensure a peaceful environment throughout the week-long festival.
Barrister Saliu-Okulu announced that one of the major attractions of this year’s celebration would be a special ETUFU lighting installation at the Epe Marina waterfront.
According to him, the display is designed to enhance the festival’s tourism appeal while showcasing one of Epe’s most treasured cultural symbols.
He also disclosed plans to introduce an essay competition for students beginning with the next edition of the festival. The initiative, he explained, is aimed at encouraging creativity, cultural awareness, and excellence in writing among young people.
Barrister Saliu-Okulu invited Nigerians and international visitors to experience the unique blend of history, culture, religion, and hospitality that defines the Epe Kayokayo Festival.
The organisers also unveiled the programme of events for the celebration, promising a week filled with cultural, religious, and community-focused activities.
Highlights of the festival include the daily lighting of the symbolic ETUFU torch, Islamic lectures, Qur’an recitation and quiz competitions, special Kayokayo prayers, and a free medical outreach.
Other activities include visits to the royal family, a colourful carnival procession, cultural exhibitions, and several programmes designed to promote Epe’s rich heritage and strengthen community unity.
Organisers expressed confidence that the 2026 edition will attract thousands of participants from within and outside Lagos State, further positioning Epe as a leading destination for cultural tourism.
The Kayokayo Festival remains one of the most significant annual celebrations in Epe, commemorating the historic arrival of King Kosoko while preserving the traditions, customs, and Islamic heritage that continue to define the ancient town.
