The Chairperson of Epe Local Government, Surah Animashaun, has officially suspended the installation process for a new Olu of Epe following competing claims to the throne by two prominent chiefs in the community.
The decision comes after High Chief Adeniyi Odedeogboro and High Chief Iskilu Ikuforiji both declared themselves as the new Olu of Epe following the death of Oba Shefiu Adewale on May 31, 2025.
Security Concerns Prompt Decisive Action
In her announcement, Chairperson Animashaun emphasized that the suspension was necessary to prevent potential security breaches and protect lives and property amid the escalating tensions between the rival factions.
"Due to the unforeseen circumstances, security concerns, public health issues and all, the Eid-l-Adha (Ileya) and Jumat services celebration is hereby cancelled at the first Epe Central Mosque, Oke Balogun and Eid Ground at Eid Street, Oke Balogun Epe respectively," Animashaun stated in an official letter addressed to the Grand Chief Imam.
The local government has also taken the extraordinary step of cancelling the upcoming Jumat prayer scheduled to take place at the council's central mosque during the Eid-el-Kabir celebration.
Dual Claims Declared "Legally Null and Void"
The chairperson's letter explicitly stated that the dual installation ceremonies conducted on June 2, 2025, were "legally null and void" given the recent passing of the immediate Olu-Epe, Oba Shefiu Adewale.
Sequel to the dual installation of the new Olu-Epe of Epe Kingdom on the 2nd of June, 2025 which is legally null and void as a result of the recent passing of immediate Olu-Epe of Epe Kingdom Oba Shefiu Adewale, I am writing to inform your office that High Chief Adeniyi Kadri Odedeogboro and High Chief Iskilu Olajide Ikuforiji both parading themselves as the newly installed Olu-Epe of Epe Kingdom are hereby suspended till further hearing from the authorities.
The letter further indicated that both chiefs have been suspended from parading themselves as the Olu-Epe "till further hearing from the authorities."
Call for Peace During Eid Celebrations
Animashaun has appealed to Muslim residents to observe the Eid-el-Kabir festivities within the bounds of the law despite the cancellation of central celebrations. She also urged all community members to maintain peace while the authorities address the succession dispute.
The chairperson promised that further updates regarding the situation would be communicated to the public as developments unfold.
This royal tussle highlights the sometimes complex nature of traditional succession processes in Lagos State, where competing claims to traditional stools occasionally lead to community tensions requiring government intervention.
