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The State House, Marina, Lagos, was lit with passion and joy recently as the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, feted notable Lagos families, who paid a cultural homage to him. They included the late Iyaloja-General of Lagos and mother of President Tinubu, Abibat Mogaji; the first Military Governor of Lagos State, General Mobolaji Johnson; the first civilian governor of Lagos, Alhaja Lateef Jakande; the 3rd Republic state governor, Sir Michael Otedola, all who will be honoured at the 2025 Eyo Festival.
During the outing, the state governor officially received the ceremonial staff of the Eyo masquerade – Opambata. It signalled the commencement of activities marking the Adamu Orisa Festival in Nigeria’s commercial capital.
The “Ijade Opa Eyo” event featured cultural performances, associated with the iconic festival. Led by the Olori Eyo and Akinsiku of Lagos, Chief Adebola Dosunmu, the procession of adherents dressed in white and bearing their Opambata enlivened the atmosphere.
The state governor said the ceremony officially signalled the start of activities leading up to the Adamu Orisa Play slated for Saturday, December 27, 2025, at the Tafawa Balewa Square, TBS, Lagos.
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The governor assured in his address: “The Eyo Festival holding on Saturday, will be a day of joy and pride for Lagos. It will be colourful and joyous, showcasing the depth of our rich cultural heritage to both local and international audiences,” adding that Lagos was not only Nigeria’s commercial and economic hub but also a melting point of culture and tourism. Lest we forget, Lagos is the centre of Afrobeats and also added Detty December on its calendar of global tourism events.
He described the Eyo Festival as a powerful expression of identity and continuity, a cultural showpiece that affirmed Lagos’ robust cultural heritage. He warned that societies without culture risked losing relevance in today’s world. He informed that the ceremonial black-and-white ensemble of the guests indicated unity, peace and progress, just as he hailed the commendable turnout of the participants. He was grateful to the Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu, who ensured that Eyo Festival returned to Lagos eight years after it was held, hoping that it would turn out to be a peaceful and successful celebration.
Speaking at the event, Chief Adebola Dosunmu noted that the procession formally announced the Eyo Festival as a done deal. Outlining the cultural rules to be observed during the festival, she said there would be restrictions on footwears, caps and scarves. Also, it was forbidden to photograph the sacred Orishas, though one could photograph the Eyo masquerades. The last Eyo Festival was held at the Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos on December 27, 2025.
