The ancient town of Epe is preparing to host the 175th edition of its iconic Kayo-Kayo Festival, with community leaders calling for increased government support to preserve one of Lagos State’s most celebrated cultural and historical traditions.
The week-long festival, which commemorates the arrival of King Kosoko in Epe in 1851, is scheduled to hold from July 3 to July 11, 2026, featuring a rich lineup of religious, cultural, and tourism-focused activities.
Speaking during a press conference, the Prime Minister (Mogaji Ngeri) of Epe Kingdom, Chief Adio Oduola, described the Kayo-Kayo Festival as far more than an annual cultural celebration, noting that it represents the resilience, unity, and enduring heritage of the Epe people.
According to him, the festival symbolises a historic voyage, shared prosperity, and the preservation of traditions that have been passed down through generations.
Chief Oduola commended the Lagos State Government for its unwavering support over the years but appealed for additional assistance to ensure the sustainability and continued growth of the festival.
“Over the years, the Lagos State Government has been part of this festival, giving us all the support we need. But, as Oliver Twist will always ask for more, I appreciate the government for its contributions so far and also appeal for more support to sustain our cultural heritage,” he said.
He also called on residents, indigenes, and visitors to participate actively in this year’s festivities while urging the people of Epe not to allow the ongoing succession process for the vacant stool of the Olu-Epe to create division within the community.
Also addressing journalists, the Coordinator of the 2026 Kayo-Kayo Festival, Barrister Bayo Saliu-Okulu, assured residents and visitors that comprehensive security arrangements had been put in place to guarantee a peaceful and successful celebration.
As part of efforts to enhance the festival’s tourism appeal, Saliu-Okulu announced that a special ETUFU lighting display would be installed at the Epe Marina waterfront, creating a vibrant attraction for visitors throughout the celebration.
He further disclosed that beginning with the next edition, the festival would introduce an essay competition for students to encourage creativity, strengthen cultural awareness, and promote excellence in writing among young people.
Saliu-Okulu extended an open invitation to Nigerians and tourists from around the world to experience the colourful festival and explore the rich cultural heritage of Epe.
Activities scheduled for the 2026 Kayo-Kayo Festival include the daily lighting of the symbolic ETUFU, Islamic lectures, Qur’an recitation competitions, special Kayo-Kayo prayers, medical outreach programmes, visits to the royal family, a grand carnival procession, and several other cultural and religious events.
The Kayo-Kayo Festival remains one of Lagos State’s foremost cultural celebrations, reflecting the enduring legacy of King Kosoko while promoting unity, tourism, and the preservation of the rich traditions of the Epe Kingdom.
