Epe, Lagos -4 June, 2025
In a dramatic turn of events, the Epe Local Government Area of Lagos State has rescinded its earlier directive suspending this year’s Eid-el-Adha prayers, paving the way for Muslim faithful in the ancient town to observe the religious rites amid a simmering chieftaincy dispute.
The council chairperson, Hon. Surah Olayemi Animashaun, made the reversal on Wednesday evening, less than 24 hours after announcing the controversial suspension of all Eid activities at the Epe Central Mosque and the community Eid prayer ground.
The initial suspension, announced in a widely circulated press release, cited rising tension over the disputed stool of the Olu of Epe following the recent death of Oba Shefiu Adewale, who passed away at the age of 86. The late monarch’s demise left a vacuum that has quickly become the subject of intense traditional contest.
READ ALSO:Royal Chaos: Epe Suspends Eid Amid Kingship Clash
Two contenders — High Chief Adeniyi Kadri Odedeogboro and High Chief Iskilu Olajide Ikuforiji — have since emerged, each laying claim to the royal seat. Both were said to have begun acting in capacity as monarch, organizing parallel consultations and installations in defiance of official processes.
In her earlier statement, Animashaun expressed concern that the ensuing conflict could spill into violence during public religious gatherings, stating, “Both individuals parading themselves as Oba of Epe Kingdom are suspended from such act pending further directive from the appropriate authority.”
She also linked the temporary suspension of the Eid prayers to public health concerns and the need to maintain law and order.
However, following swift consultations with religious leaders, community stakeholders, and security agencies, the council announced that Eid-el-Adha prayers would now go on as scheduled — albeit under strict security supervision.
“The Epe Local Government has reviewed the earlier decision and now authorizes the peaceful observance of Eid-el-Adha and Jumaat prayers,” the new statement read. “We urge residents to remain calm and law-abiding as the chieftaincy matter is being handled by the appropriate authorities.”
Community leaders welcomed the reversal, calling it a wise decision that respects the spiritual significance of the festival while recognizing the delicate nature of the succession dispute.
“This is a time for unity, not conflict,” said Alhaji Musiliu Fatai, an elder in the Epe Muslim Community. “We commend the council for listening to the voice of reason. Religion and tradition must coexist peacefully.”
Security has since been beefed up around the Eid grounds, with the Area Commander and Divisional Police Officer reportedly collaborating with community vigilantes to ensure that the prayers proceed without incident.
Meanwhile, legal and traditional authorities are expected to weigh in on the rightful succession to the Olu of Epe throne in the coming weeks. Lagos State’s Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs is said to be monitoring the situation closely.
READ ALSO:Saudi Arabia Confirms Crescent Moon Sighting, Declares June 6 as Eid al-Adha 2025
As Eid-el-Adha approaches, the people of Epe are hoping that peace, not politics, will take center stage in their celebration — and that due process will soon restore clarity and unity to the throne of their ancestors.
