Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has heralded the return of the iconic Eyo Festival, describing it as a vital platform to showcase Lagos not only as an economic powerhouse but as a global beacon of culture and tourism.
Speaking at the “Ijade Opa Eyo” ceremony held at the Lagos House, Marina, yesterday, the governor received the Opambata, the ceremonial staff of the Eyo Masquerade.
This traditional rite marks the official start of activities for the Adamu Orisa Play, which is scheduled to reach its climax on Saturday, December 27, 2025.
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This year’s festival, returning after an eight-year hiatus, is dedicated to celebrating the lives and legacies of four eminent figures who shaped the history of Lagos State.
The honourees include Abibat Mogaji, the late Iyaloja-General and mother of President Bola Tinubu; Brigadier-General Mobolaji Johnson, the first military Governor of Lagos State; Lateef Jakande, the state’s first civilian governor; and Michael Otedola who served as governor during the Third Republic.
The Sunday procession, marked by participants clad in symbolic black-and-white attire, wound through historic locations on Lagos Island.
Sanwo-Olu praised the turnout, noting that the colours represent unity and progress.
“People without a culture risk extinction,” the governor remarked.
“The Eyo Festival on Saturday will be a day of joy and pride… a ceremony that will demonstrate to all of our visitors that Lagos is the melting point of culture and tourism.”
He also extended his gratitude to the Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu, for his leadership in reviving the festival for the 2025 season.
The Olori Eyo and Akinsiku of Lagos, Adebola Dosunmu, explained that the Ijade Opa Eyo serves as a preparatory rite, signalling the certainty of the upcoming main event.
He outlined that during the festival on 27 December, strict cultural protocols would be enforced.
Attendees were prohibited from wearing footwear or headgear, including caps and scarves, smoking within the festival vicinity, or photographing the sacred Orishas.
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However, they were allowed to photograph the Eyo Masquerades, participate in traditional chanting and dancing, and pay homage to family houses and traditional palaces.
The procession also made a special visit to Tinubu at his residence, where he was joined by the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, to receive the traditional blessing.
