The Epe Kingdom is currently witnessing a royal shake-up, as a dispute over the Olu-Epe throne unfolds with two prominent chiefs laying claim to the crown.
EpeInsights quotes High Chief Kadri Adeniyi Odedeogboro, as saying there’s no confusion about who the people have chosen.
Speaking out publicly for the first time since tensions escalated, Odedeogboro insists that his emergence as the Olu-Epe-elect was both legitimate and in line with the kingdom’s age-old customs.
“My selection followed due process,” he declared, recounting how the announcement was made by the Traditional Prime Minister, Mogaji Ngeria Chief Akanni Adio-Oduola, right after the 3-day Fidau prayers held at the 1st Epe Central Mosque in honour of the late monarch, Oba (Dr.) Shefiu Olatunji Adewale.
Odedeogboro didn’t hold back in dismissing the rival claim made by High Chief Olajide Iskilu Ikuforiji, the Balogun of Epe, who also declared himself Olu-Epe-elect.
“Someone who was suspended and never served under the late Olu-Epe cannot lay claim to the sacred throne,” Odedeogboro stated.
In a pointed remark, he criticized the manner in which Ikuforiji was “turbaned,” describing it as a private affair lacking communal endorsement.
“Traditionally, the Olu-Epe must be declared and turbaned publicly at the mosque. What do we say of someone turbaned in his sitting room now claiming royalty?” he asked.
As the power tussle stirs tension across the kingdom, community leaders are calling for calm. Odedeogboro urged residents to stay peaceful and assured them that upcoming cultural and religious events, including Eid prayers and the Ojude Oba Festival, would go on as planned.
“By God’s grace, nothing will disrupt our unity or our cherished traditions,” he said.
Echoing his call for peace, the Bashorun of Epe Kingdom, High Chief Iyanda Folarin, warned the youth not to allow themselves to be manipulated.
“Our young people must not become pawns in the hands of those who do not have Epe’s best interests at heart,” he cautioned.
In response to the rising tensions, Epe Local Government Chairperson, Princess Surah Olayemi Animashaun, has ordered a temporary suspension of all chieftaincy installation activities in the area to prevent further unrest.
As the community watches and waits, one thing is clear: the people of Epe are yearning for clarity, unity, and a return to peace in this sacred royal matter.
