Lagos Kayokayo Festival opens in Epe

The Lagos Kayokayo festival yesterday opened in Epe. The yearly traditional festival is in commemoration of the new Islamic calendar year and the arrival of King Kosoko to Eko-Epe in 1851.
 
The weeklong activity, which began with Juma’at prayers, would showcase the best of Epe foods, cultural displays and merriment.Olu-Epe of Epe Kingdom, Oba Shefiu Olatunji Adewale, told newsmen yesterday that the festival is dear to the traditional Epe community, which is predominantly Muslim.
 
Oba Adewale said Kayokayo, which literally means, “eating to satisfaction,” is a New Year celebration, with expanded scope to feature health awareness and screening, cultural displays, youth parade and other displays.
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He said: “King Kosoko in 1851 laid the foundation of Eko-Epe with his coming with 1500 people. We have always commemorated that. “And tomorrow (today), we will be at the marine side, in boats, to mimic how Kosoko came to Epe. It is the display of culture at its best.”
 
The monarch added that the new-found unity between the two Epe communities- Eko-Epe and Ijebu-Epe – and infrastructural development, courtesy of the state government, have further opened Epe up to the world and potential investors.
 
Chairman of Planning Committee, Alade Saliu-Okulu, said next Saturday would be the grand-finale, with dignitaries, like Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, in attendance.