Yoruba’s system of administration amazed our colonial masters —Olu of Epe

Olu of Epe, Oba Sefiu Olatunji Adewale, is a retired public servant and  down to heart traditional ruler.  In a chat with TUNDE BUSARI  in his palace, he speaks on the natural pattern of contest among eligible princes, his life as a public servant, the history of Epe, development and sundry issues. Excerpts:

What is your philosophy of kingship?

Kingship is a natural phenomenon among man and even among animals. You must have heard the saying that Lion is the king of all animals. This is stating the fact that animals in the jungle also have hierarchy. In human society from the time immemorial, there must be the ruler and the ruled. So it applies from national to local levels of our administrative structure here in Nigeria. In the pre-colonial society here before Nigeria as a country came into be in 1914, Yoruba in particular had effective system of administration, which interestingly, amazed the colonial masters. Oba was the supreme head of a town assisted by his chiefs who sat together with him in the palace to make decisions affecting the welfare and progress of the town. But when the whites came and introduced contemporary governance, the traditional institution headed by the Obas, was pushed to the rear and the result is what we have today.

Does that mean you are not comfortable with the position of the Oba in the contemporary governance?

It is not a matter of like or dislike. It is a question of the effectiveness of the modern governance in influencing the people in the grassroot. Despite the situation, we still have what it takes to have the ear of our people without coercing them. You can see that you met me attending to somebody when you came. You can also see some people waiting for this interview to conclude so they can come in. What this says is the relevance of traditional institution in the contemporary governance.

Give us a brief  history of Epe?

Epe is an ancient town. Written history stated that King Kosoko migrated here from Lagos after the 1851 incident. He came with his people who were very loyal to him and he felt he should have around him in his new settlement. They came and settled here. But it must be clarified that Kosoko’s settlement followed the approval given by the Awujale Anikilaya of Ijebu Ode. There was a cordial relationship between them. After 11 years, Kosoko returned to Lagos but some of his people stayed back and formed what is today known as Epe. Those who returned to Lagos with him are found at a popular location known as Epetedo. We are called Eko Epe here because of the above explanation.

I learnt there is also Ijebu Epe. What is the relationship between you and the Oloja of Epe?

We enjoy a good relationship based on mutual respect for each other. There is hardly any discrimination among our people. Whenever we do our annual KayoKayo after the Ileya festival, the participation has always been massive. Our youths mix freely with one another and enjoy the festival. We also participate in their Ebi and masquerade festival  as a form of solidarity. So, there is peaceful co-existence devoid of any bitterness. What is paramount in our mind is development and how to further open up Epe to investors using its proximity with Lagos as an advantage. There is no doubt in my mind that we shall together achieve the desired development for the town. It may interest you to know that I am also qualified to be the Oloja by the virtue of my Ijebu royal blood. What this is saying is our integration with each other.

What are the unique features of Epe?

As you must have been aware that Epe is reputed for selling all kinds of fishes. Islam is known to be the religion of Epe people. When Kosoko came here, he was in company of about 1,500 people including strong Islamic scholars. When he returned to Lagos, these scholars found Epe more habitable and settled permanently here. The embarked on evangelism and spread the religion among the people. That is why Epe is known as a Muslim town. We regard the Quran as the solution to problems. Another feature is our KayoKayo festival which holds annually after every Ileya festival. It is more or less a carnival that usually attracts many indigenes of the town and their friends. Our youths always look forward to KayoKayo because of its social value. I am very happy to tell you that the Lagos State Government recognizes KayoKayo. Top musicians are engaged to come and entertain during the festival. Besides, as a predominantly Muslim town, Eid-el-Fitri and Eid-el-Kabir festivals are equally important in the calendar of this town. That is when you see families decorating their horses which they ride to the prayer ground. Notable families like Shabi, Akingbade, Agbomeji, and Agoro.

There are ongoing projects, especially expansion of  roads in town, is this  a result of having your son, Akinwumi Ambode as the governor of the state?

Whichever way you look at it, I am to tell you that we have a governor who appreciates the fact that all divisions that make up the state also need to be developed. This was what we told him and this is what he is doing and doing well. There is no doubt that he is leaving a good impression in the mind of the people of the state. If you go to Ikorodu and Badagry, the story is the same. So, it is a thing of joy to have such a person in the saddle of the state’s affair and we are wishing him more success. By the time the constructions are completed, Epe and other divisions will have their economy improved as many people, particularly investors will be naturally attracted to the towns.

What did your life look like before you became the Olu of Epe?

I was in the public service for 37 years.

37?

Yes! I had already spent 37 years before anyone realized. I think my efficiency and hard work were responsible for this. I was in the service before Lagos State was created. I can recall how the then Minister for Lagos Affairs, that was the father of the late, General Yar’Adua and the late President Yar’Adua, would invite me to his residence to play with his children. We were so close. That is saying that I was close to my superiors and you should know what that means. I had a fulfilled career as a public servant after which I became the Olu of Epe.

What was the process that led to your emergence as a king?

Three of us showed interest in the race and contested. Because God had destined it, I became the Olu of Epe and was installed in 2009.

Is there a particular memory of the contest?

There are many things that happened during the process but I think events have overtaken them. One thing that looked funny then was that a friend of mine who was expected to be my first supporter, backed my opponent. But the wish of God manifested at the end of the day.

What then happened to your friendship afterwards?

There is no problem with that. Life must continue. What this means is that in this life, nothing  is impossible and one must prepare for disappointment at all times. So, when it comes, one is not caught unawares. That experience is a lesson of life. But as I am talking to you now, it is all over because I am the father of everybody.

Having spent your youth in the public service means a lot. Are you not missing your life style in the service?

I used to have that feeling but I think I have overcome it now. I worked hard and had good time out with friends at clubs. My social activities were not that affected by my devotion to official duties. Till date, I still travel to Lagos to attend functions and return here. I have my friends who don’t even leave here. That is they don’t abandon me. They regularly come and hang out with me in the palace. That is very good.

What picture of Epe do you have with the way things are going in the town?

The sign is already there. The evidence of a greater Epe is there. I can now call on sons and daughters of Epe to come and explore this opportunity. They should come and invest home. No matter how long they live outside, home will remain home. The infrastructures are coming up. I have some who don’t live here but who always come home. One of them is Otun Aare, Alhaji Araromi Yusuf. He is a true example of service to the community. Others should emulate him and come back home to contribute their  quota to the community development.