The Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has described the Eyo Festival as a vital platform for showcasing Lagos not only as Nigeria’s economic and commercial hub but also as a centre of culture and tourism with global appeal.
The governor spoke on Sunday during the Ijade Opa Eyo procession at Lagos House, Marina, when the Olori Eyo, White Cap chiefs, traditional leaders and Eyo adherents paid homage to him and representatives of distinguished personalities to be honoured at this year’s Eyo Festival, scheduled for Saturday, December 27.
Those to be honoured at the 2025 Eyo Festival include the late Iyaloja-General, Chief Abibat Mogaji, mother of President Bola Tinubu; the first Military Governor of Lagos State, Mobolaji Johnson; the first civilian Governor, Alhaja Lateef Jakande; and the Third Republic Governor, Sir Michael Otedola.
Ahead of the main celebration, Lagos Island came alive with the traditional Ijade Opa Eyo procession, which moved through key historic locations, reaffirming the state’s commitment to preserving its cultural heritage.
The ritual procession, marked by the ceremonial bearing of the Opambata, symbolised guidance, protection and the transmission of tradition from one generation to another, as Lagos reflected on its roots while advancing with dignity.
Speaking at the event, which featured Adimu Orisa festival songs, prayers and ceremonial performances led by the Olori Eyo and Akinsiku of Lagos, Chief Adebola Dosunmu, Governor Sanwo-Olu said the outing formally marked the commencement of activities for the Eyo Festival.
Describing the festival as a powerful expression of identity and continuity, the governor noted that culture remains essential to the relevance and survival of any people.
He said: “The Eyo Festival holding on Saturday will be a day of joy and pride for Lagos. It will be colourful and joyous, showing the depth of our rich cultural heritage, and it will attract both local and international visitors.
“People without culture are heading for extinction. Culture defines what we live for, what we pass on and what we transfer to the next generation. Through this festival, we will demonstrate that Lagos is not only the Centre of Excellence and the commercial nerve centre of Nigeria, but also a melting point of culture and tourism.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu commended participants for their large turnout and highlighted the symbolic black-and-white attire worn by adherents as a strong representation of unity, peace and progress.
He also thanked the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, for championing the revival of the Eyo Festival after eight years, praising traditional leaders and worshippers for preserving Lagos’ cultural identity.
“I want to thank all of you for coming out in large numbers to demonstrate the elegance and richness of our culture. The white and black colours displayed today strongly symbolise unity and progress,” he said.
Earlier, the Olori Eyo, Chief Adebola Dosunmu, explained that the Ijade Opa Eyo procession is part of preparatory rites leading to the main Eyo Festival, noting that the outing confirms the certainty of the forthcoming celebration.
According to him, the procession includes visits to family houses, traditional palaces, the Oba’s Palace, the Governor’s residence and other significant locations, including paying homage at President Bola Tinubu’s residence.
Dosunmu also outlined key cultural rules guiding the festival, such as restrictions on footwear, caps and scarves, and the prohibition of photographing sacred Orishas, while allowing photographs of the Eyo masquerades.
He emphasised that culture and religion are distinct, stressing that culture predates modern religions and remains an inherited identity passed from generation to generation.
The Ijade Opa Eyo procession once again underscored Lagos’ resolve to preserve its ancestral customs, reinforcing culture as a unifying force and a vital pillar of the state’s history, identity and tourism appeal.
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