- 2025 Eyo Festival is expected to close the year on a high note, blending age-long customs
- Observers and participants are prohibited from wearing hats, head coverings, or footwear in Eyo zones
- Sanwo-olu described the Eyo Festival as a vital symbol of Lagos’ cultural depth
Lagos is once again set to witness a colourful display of culture and heritage as preparations intensify for the 2025 Adamu Orisa Play, popularly known as the Eyo Festival, scheduled to hold on Saturday, December 27.
Eko Hot Blog reports that this year’s celebration is historic, as it marks the return of the iconic festival after an eight-year break, with the last edition held in 2017, reigniting excitement among residents, tourists, and traditional institutions.
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Activities ahead of the main event officially commenced on Sunday with the Ijade Opa (Staff Procession), a key traditional rite that signals the formal commencement of the festival. The procession, led by the Akinsiku of Lagos alongside the Olori Eyo, Chief Adebola Dosunmu, made ceremonial visits to the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, at Lagos House, Marina.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, while receiving the traditional entourage, described the Eyo Festival as a vital symbol of Lagos’ cultural depth, noting that beyond its commercial status, the state remains deeply rooted in rich traditions and history.
The Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, disclosed that the 2025 edition is being staged in honour of notable personalities who played significant roles in shaping the political and social landscape of Lagos State.
Those to be honoured include the late Chief Abibat Mogaji, former Iyaloja-General of Nigeria and mother of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu; Brigadier Mobolaji Johnson, Lagos’ first military governor; Alhaji Lateef Jakande, the state’s first civilian governor; and Sir Michael Otedola, a former governor during the Third Republic.
In a rare cultural engagement, Eyo groups also paid homage to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at his Lagos residence on Sunday. The President, who is expected to grace the main event as Guest of Honour, commended the festival’s role in promoting unity and preserving Yoruba heritage, while assuring Nigerians of a peaceful festive season.
The Eyo Festival, first performed in 1854 in honour of Oba Akitoye, remains one of Lagos’ most revered cultural events, drawing thousands of spectators to Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) and surrounding areas.
Ahead of the grand parade, the Oba of Lagos has reiterated strict adherence to traditional rules, warning against misconduct or harassment during the celebration. Observers and participants are prohibited from wearing hats, head coverings, or footwear in Eyo zones, while activities such as smoking and cycling along procession routes remain forbidden.
As Lagos prepares for the long-awaited return of the white-clad masquerades, the 2025 Eyo Festival is expected to close the year on a high note.
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