05/02/2026
Direct Speech from His Royal Majesty Oba Kamorudeen Ishola Animashaun The AROLUGBADE II, The Oloja Of Epe Land, The Elepe Of Epe Land, The Chairman Epe Division Council of Obas And Chiefs, The Executive Vice Chairman Lagos State Council Of Obas And Chiefs, And The Paramount Ruler Of Epe Division Land.
My beloved Chiefs, Elders, Baales, Elites, Youths, and Residents of Epe Division, I greet you all.
I speak to you today with a heart heavy with both concern and unwavering hope. The issue of electrical instability that has plagued our land is one that weighs heavily on my mind, and I know it does on yours as well. This challenge, I believe, could have been a distant memory by now.
Let me take you back to 2009. I, Oba Kamorudeen Ishola Animashaun, embarked on a dedicated quest for qualitative electrical stability for Epe. For two consecutive weeks, I made it a daily practice to leave the palace at 8:00 AM, travelling to the Governor's office, His Excellency Babatunde Raji Fashola This was a selfless endeavor, driven by a deep commitment to the betterment of our land, our people, and our businesses. I understood then, as I do now, the critical importance of a reliable power supply for our progress.
By the grace of Eledumare, and through the efforts of so many, Governor Fashola responded. In his commitment to our development, he mobilized electrical engineers from the Lagos State Ministry of Power and Mineral Resources, who spent two weeks in Epe investigating the specific challenges we faced. The outcome of this assessment was, indeed, promising.
The report recommended the construction of an ELECTRIC POWER STEPDOWN. Both Epe and Ikorodu were identified as suitable locations, due in part to the rich lagoon that Eledumare has blessed us with. I refrained from dictating a specific site, recognizing the importance of allowing these professionals to carry out their work without interference.
The experts, after careful consideration, selected a parcel of land belonging to the Epe community, strategically situated at the Epe T-junction, before the bridge leading towards Okorisan, Okegun, and the Ajah-Lekki Expressway. The soil was tested by the Lagos State land bureau, and its suitability for the project was confirmed, even exceeding the parameters of the Ikorodu site.
It pains me to revisit the events that followed. The details of why this vital project did not come to fruition are a familiar story to my Chiefs, to the vast majority of our indigenes, and even to many non-indigenes in Epe Division. I choose not to dwell on names, but to simply acknowledge the deep disappointment we all felt when this opportunity slipped through our grasp.
The Lagos State Government, eager to alleviate our electricity woes, stood ready to assist. But as my ancestors have taught, "Kin se gbogbo a*o li am sa l'orun," which translates to "Not every matter should be made public." I will not name those who ultimately prevented this critical progress.
A respected, highly influential individual, laying claim to ownership of the land, created an obstacle. The Governor invited us to multiple meetings to find a resolution. I pleaded, I explained the tremendous benefits of the project. This led to serious disagreements and the almost fracturing of our community, with accusations levelled against me regarding land ownership. In the end, despite all efforts, the Lagos State Government, understandably frustrated, was advised to shift the project elsewhere. It was a painful moment, a missed opportunity that could have transformed our community for years to come and a failure that has impeded the achievements of my reign.
However, I, His Royal Majesty Oba Kamorudeen Ishola Animashaun, have not abandoned this vital cause. I have, and will continue to be engaged, and together with the dedicated Stakeholders of Epe Division, we shall work hand in hand. Your commitment and support are now more important than ever. I call upon you all to join this great movement, for the liberation and prosperity of Epe Land.
My prayers are with you, the good people of Epe Land. May your going out and your coming in be blessed. May you find success in all your endeavors, and may your efforts be met with prosperity, by the special grace of Eledumare.
Thank you.