By Ghazali Ibrahim 
The ancient Epe Kingdom has been thrown into confusion following the emergence of two rival claimants to the highly revered throne of Olu Epe, barely two days after the demise of Oba Shefiu Olatunji Adewale, the former monarch.
On Monday, June 2, 2025, two prominent High-Chiefs Kadri Adeniyi Odedeogboro and Olajide Iskilu Ikuforiji were separately turbaned as the new Olu Epe by different factions within the kingdom.
High-Chief Odedeogboro was turbaned first during a special three-day Fidau prayer for the late Oba Adewale at the 1st Epe Central Mosque, Oke Balogun.
The event was conducted in the presence of the Grand Chief Imam of Epe Division, Fadeelat Sheikh Abiola Aliru Sadallah, and other prominent dignitaries, including guests from Lagos.
However, just hours later, a separate group loyal to High-Chief Ikuforiji conducted a parallel turbaning ceremony, asserting that Ikuforiji is the rightful heir to the Olu Epe throne.
The roots of the current succession crisis date back to Ikuforiji’s suspension as Balogun by the late Oba Adewale a decision that led to the elevation of Odedeogboro to the position of Balogun, the traditional second-in-command to the Olu Epe.
In Epe’s deeply Islamic monarchical tradition which mirrors succession patterns similar to that of Ibadan, where the next ranking chief becomes Olubadan — the Balogun is typically next in line to ascend the throne upon the demise of a reigning king.
By this custom, Odedeogboro, being the active Balogun at the time of Oba Adewale’s death on Saturday, May 31, was expected to automatically become the next Olu Epe.
However, Ikuforiji’s supporters argue that his prior title and status were unfairly revoked, and thus he remains the legitimate successor.
As of the time of this report, there is no official declaration from the Epe traditional council or Lagos State government on who the authentic Olu Epe is.
Community leaders are calling for calm, even as many wait anxiously for a resolution to what could become a prolonged and divisive succession dispute.
