Obaship Dispute in Epe: Omodele Ibrahim calls for peaceful resolution

The President of the Epe Ogunmodede Club and Alakoso of Epe Kingdom, Omodele Ibrahim, has urged warring factions in the tussle over the vacant Olu-Epe stool to prioritise peace and avoid actions that could plunge the community into unrest.

Ibrahim made the appeal on Sunday at Glover Hall, Lagos, during the 2025 King Kosoko Memorial Lecture, an annual event dedicated to celebrating the enduring legacy of the 19th-century Lagos monarch.

He welcomed the intervention of the Lagos State Government in the dispute, stressing that residents should remain patient and allow the authorities to conclude their deliberations.

“The intervention of the Lagos State Government is a welcome development. I urge members of the community to await the outcome of the government’s decision and avoid acts capable of disrupting the peace and tranquility enjoyed in the area,” he said.

Describing King Kosoko as “a great and courageous monarch who built on the cultural heritage of Lagos,” Ibrahim restated the monarch’s significance in Lagos history, noting that his settlement laid the foundation for Eko-Epe.

“You cannot talk about the history of the Eko-Epe community without mentioning the advent of King Kosoko. That is the root of our cultural heritage in Lagos. His settlement laid the foundation for the development of our community, and we, as his descendants, are living testimony to that legacy,” he added.

The Alakoso emphasised that Eko-Epe was founded on love, strength, and peace-values that must be safeguarded for posterity.

He also called on the youth to uphold King Kosoko’s principles of courage, discipline, and cultural pride, while stressing the community’s long-standing tradition of prioritising education and welfare.

“Today, our duty is to ensure that our youth are supported in their educational pursuits while promoting peace, unity, and human capital development. That is the true spirit of our heritage,” he said.

Reinforcing this message, the Baamofin of Epe Kingdom, Tunde Seriki, highlighted the importance of harmony during the succession process, noting that peace had always been central to the vision of the community’s forefathers.

Similarly, High Chief Wale Magaji praised the memorial lecture for fostering a strong sense of belonging among descendants of King Kosoko, describing it as a vital reminder of lineage, shared identity, and history.

This year’s memorial lecture brought together dignitaries, cultural leaders, and descendants of King Kosoko.

Beyond celebrating the monarch’s legacies of unity, education, and cultural pride, the event served as a reminder of the collective responsibility to preserve peace and strengthen community bonds in Epe.