Bado Isale Descendants Call for Peace and Progress at the 175. Kayokayo Festival

The descendants of the Bado Isale lineage living in the Epe region of Nigeria enthusiastically held the second Traditional Etufu Lighting Ceremony as part of the 175. Kayokayo Festival. This significant cultural event holds great importance as it brings the local community together to celebrate their shared history and roots. This year's festival transformed into a platform delivering vital messages for the region's future, rather than merely celebrating a historical anniversary. Participants emphasized that keeping their cultural identity alive is the guarantee of a unity and solidarity that will last for generations. Prominent figures of the region, local leaders, and a massive crowd marked the event, showcasing the ceremony's grand scale.

Alhaja Alade Raji, one of the prominent figures who spoke at the ceremony, called for peace and unity, drawing the community's attention to internal solidarity. Raji stated that peace and reconciliation within the community would pave the way for larger development projects, allowing Epe to progress steadily. Furthermore, she shared her forward-looking hopes, stating that she believes the results of this cultural unity will eventually lay the groundwork for the emergence of a new king (monarch). In her speech, she argued that past differences must be set aside and that everyone must unite on common ground. She noted that the progress of the community would be achieved not only through material investments but also by strengthening spiritual bonds. This exciting vision received applause from the audience, reflecting the common desire of the local people.

Prince Agbaje, shedding light on the historical and cultural background of the event, shared important details about the origins of the Etufu tradition with the public. According to Agbaje, the Etufu lighting tradition has deep roots dating back to the arrival of King Kosoko in Epe. For the people of Epe, this historical event is not merely a migration story, but also the beginning of a cultural awakening and a new era. The process that began with Kosoko's arrival in the region is still remembered today as one of the most important themes of the festival. Prince Agbaje expressed how critical it is for social identity to pass this historical heritage on to younger generations. In this context, it was noted that the lighting ceremony, held for the second time, carries great symbolic value in ensuring that historical events are not forgotten and that the ancestral heritage is protected.

The Kayokayo Festival is a large-scale cultural celebration held every year in the Epe region with various events, exhibitions, and performances. Reaching its 175. year, this deep-rooted festival has become an important tool showcasing the demographic and cultural richness of the region to all of Nigeria and even worldwide. The second Etufu Lighting Ceremony, which marked this year's festival, revealed that the event is becoming more deeply rooted each year and that traditions are being blended with contemporary activities. Community members proudly stated that such magnificent organizations provide positive contributions to both the local economy and tourism. Additionally, the panels and talks held during the festival created an environment for discussing the region's social issues and finding solutions. The continuity of such cultural gatherings enables the people of Epe to proudly represent their identity and history on the world stage.

This unity and the calls made by the descendants of Bado Isale showcase their vision of looking to the future with hope, drawing strength from the past. The main message highlighted throughout the ceremony is undoubtedly that peace, progress, and cultural integrity form an inseparable chain. The expectation of a new king and the revitalization of King Kosoko's historical heritage reflect the deep-rooted desire of the local people for governance and belonging. These steps taken by the people of Epe also serve as a powerful example proving how local communities in Nigeria stand on their own feet and develop through their own dynamics. The great importance given to social reconciliation supports the goal of leaving a more livable region, with its cultural bonds fully preserved, for future generations. As a result, the 175. Kayokayo Festival and the Etufu Lighting have gone down in history not just as a celebration for Epe, but as a solid cultural and social step taken toward the future.