Tinubu Lauds Eyo Festival as Lagos Cultural Renaissance

President Bola Tinubu has hailed the revival of the 73rd Adamu Orisa Play, known worldwide as the Eyo Festival, as a vibrant renaissance of Lagos’ cultural heritage, spotlighting the city’s enduring traditions and the legacies of its luminaries.

The iconic festival, absent for eight years due to the COVID-19 pandemic and logistical challenges, made a triumphant return on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) in Onikan. It drew thousands, including national leaders, traditional rulers, residents, and international visitors, transforming the venue into a sea of white-clad Eyo masquerades symbolizing purity, peace, and ancestral reverence.

Distinguished Attendance and Presidential Endorsement

Tinubu, attending as a special guest, described the event as a “rekindling of Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage” and a tribute to the achievements of exemplary Lagosians. His presence underscored the festival’s national significance, bridging Lagos’ local pride with broader Nigerian identity.

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, host of the event, reaffirmed his administration’s THEMES Plus agenda by pledging to protect cultural identity. “The Eyo Festival demonstrates our commitment to preserving Lagos’ heritage. It reminds us of our roots and our duty to future generations,” Sanwo-Olu stated, thanking Tinubu for his support and Oba Rilwan Akiolu, the Oba of Lagos, for approving the revival.

Other dignitaries included Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, former Lagos Governors Babatunde Fashola and Akinwunmi Ambode, ex-Ogun Governor Olusegun Osoba, President’s Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, Finance Minister Wale Edun, and captains of industry alongside diaspora Nigerians.

Honoring Lagos Legends

This edition uniquely honored four departed icons whose contributions shaped modern Lagos:

• Chief Abibat Mogaji, the late Iyaloja-General, celebrated as a commerce matriarch and women’s empowerment pioneer.
• Brigadier-General Mobolaji Johnson, Lagos’ first military governor (1967-1975), who oversaw key infrastructure like the Lagos Metropolitan Master Plan and Itoikin Housing Estate.
• Alhaji Lateef Jakande, the first civilian governor (1979-1983), renowned for free education, housing schemes, and metroline projects.
• Sir Michael Otedola, governor from 1992-1993, noted for economic stabilization amid national turbulence.

Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Toke Benson-Awoyinka, called it a “cultural renaissance,” emphasizing the Eyo’s 300-year history. Rooted in 19th-century Awori-Yoruba traditions, the festival historically escorts noble souls to the afterlife, featuring up to 30 Eyo groups like Adimu (the leader), Onidan (black-faced for satire), and others representing quarters such as Aromire and Kosoko.

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“This is our heritage, our Christmas, our identity—over 300 years of Lagos history in one sacred space,” Benson-Awoyinka declared, inviting global tourists to a “vibrant, safe” Lagos.

Spectacle and Seamless Execution

The procession, led by Special Adviser on Tourism Idris Aregbe, featured resplendent Eyo Igas in flowing white agbada, black hats, and Opambata staffs gliding silently amid drumming and chants. Groups included Akintoye, Ashogbon, Ajagun, Arobadade, Elegushi, Faji, Oniru, and more—over two dozen societies parading in disciplined harmony.

Security was impeccable, with inter-agency collaboration ensuring peace despite massive crowds. The event blended tradition with modernity, live-streamed globally and amplified via social media, boosting Lagos’ tourism profile.

Historically, the Eyo—unique to Lagos and UNESCO-recognized in cultural inventories—dates to 1854, linked to Oba Dosunmu and Portuguese influences, evolving as a funerary rite turned public spectacle. Its 2025 revival aligns with global heritage pushes, positioning Lagos as Africa’s cultural hub.

Benson-Awoyinka closed with optimism: “Lagos is open, vibrant, and proud—preserving our past while marching forward.”