Oba Shefiu Adewale, the Olu Epe of Epe Kingdom, in Lagos State, has said that the main essence of the annual Kayokayo festival in the town is to promote love, peace, unity and communal bonding among residents and outsiders.
Adewale in Epe, on Monday, that the festival is also used in boosting the socio-economic, religious and cultural values of the ancient community.
“The festival has started since the past three days, and the community has been feeling the extravaganza, ” he said.
According to him, the one-week event started on Friday and will end on Aug. 26.
“Throughout the one-week event, the entire Epe Division will feel the presence and the influx of tourists and other visitors alike, into the town, ” he said.
Adewale said that the inflow of visitors would help to boost commercial activities in the community, improve patronage, while making businesses thrive.
According to him, the festival will be rounded off with a boat ride.
“The festival is celebrated during the first month of the Islamic calendar, in commemoration of ‘Yaom-al Ashura’, the 10th day of Muharram in the Islamic calendar.
“That is about a month after the Muslim festival of Eid-el-Kabir,” he said.
Oba Adewale preached tolerance and unity among Nigerians, stressing that there is strength in diversity.
He said the festival is a symbol of peace, showing love to one another, where residents eat, drink and showcase rich culture together.
“The festival is also an avenue to meet new people, while the cultural aspect will commemorate the grand entry of Oba Kosoko in Epe, ” he said.
