Sanwo-Olu unveils Eyo monument to boost Lagos tourism

The Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Friday commissioned the Eyo Monument at the John Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History, located in the Onikan area of Lagos Island.

The Lagos State Government had on Wednesday issued a travel advisory announcing widespread traffic restrictions on Lagos Island ahead of the Eyo Festival scheduled for Saturday, 27 December 2025.

Last Sunday, Sanwo-Olu speaking at the ‘Ijade Opa Eyo’ ceremony held at Marina, expressed delight that the festival is being held this year.

According to the Lagos State Government, the nearly 40-foot-high monument is “a powerful symbol of Lagos’ heritage” and is expected to provide “a major boost to the state’s cultural tourism drive,” serving both educational and tourism purposes while contributing to the economic and cultural development of the state.

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This was detailed in a statement shared by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Governor, Gboyega Akosile on Friday.

It was titled, “Sanwo-Olu commissions Eyo monument, reaffirms commitment to Lagos’ cultural identity.”

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Governor Sanwo-Olu said the monument represents the essence of Lagos culture and identity, adding that its location within the John Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History, Onikan, makes it “a fitting landmark for preserving and showcasing Yoruba art, history and tradition.”

The governor noted that the Eyo, as a cultural symbol, tells the story of Lagos to the world, explaining that the newly commissioned monument would serve as a unique attraction for visitors.

He said the monument would provide a space “where visitors can learn, take photographs and share the history of the state.”

Governor Sanwo-Olu disclosed that the installation of the Eyo monument reinforces Lagos’ commitment to protecting its cultural assets while positioning the state as a global destination for arts and heritage tourism.

He commended the curator of the monument, Dotun Popoola, for his craftsmanship and intellectual depth, describing the work as “a reflection of Nigerian creativity and excellence,” and noting that the project demonstrates how indigenous talent can be harnessed to interpret and preserve history through art.

The governor also highlighted that the John Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History offers a complete cultural experience, with facilities including exhibition spaces, an amphitheatre, a village square, a gift shop and other creative activations designed to immerse visitors in Yoruba culture.

While acknowledging the support of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, stakeholders and traditional institutions, Governor Sanwo-Olu particularly recognised the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, stating that collaboration between government, cultural institutions and traditional authorities is essential for sustaining Lagos’ rich cultural legacy.

Earlier, the Chief Executive Officer of the John Randle Centre for Yorùbá Culture and History, Qudus Onikeku, described the Eyo monument as a major cultural achievement for Lagos.

He said the structure was intentionally designed to allow visitors to explore its interior, where “the story of Lagos, its communities and its history will be showcased through exhibitions and installations.”

Onikeku noted that the monument, created by curator and renowned Nigerian artist, Dotun Popoola, stands on a six-foot base and rises to almost 40 feet, making it the tallest of its kind in Lagos State.

He disclosed that plans are underway to produce a documentary film chronicling the story of the monument, the Eyo tradition and the broader cultural heritage of Lagos, adding that the project will deepen public engagement with the state’s history.

Also speaking, the curator, Dotun Popoola, said the Eyo monument was conceived as a storytelling structure that reflects the diverse areas and historical journey of Lagos.

He explained that visitors will be able to climb into the monument to explore curated spaces and visual narratives that interpret the state’s cultural evolution.