By Ayomide Otitoju
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Sunday said the Eyo Festival remains a vital platform for projecting Lagos not only as Nigeria’s economic and commercial hub but also as a major centre of culture and tourism with strong local and international appeal.
The governor spoke during the Ijade Opa Eyo procession at Lagos House, Marina, when the Olori Eyo, White Cap chiefs, traditional leaders and festival participants paid homage to him ahead of this year’s Eyo Festival, scheduled for Saturday, December 27.
Governor Sanwo-Olu disclosed that the 2025 Eyo Festival will honour notable figures in Lagos’ history, including the late Iyaloja-General, Chief Abibat Mogaji, mother of President Bola Tinubu; the state’s first military governor, Mobolaji Johnson; its first civilian governor, Alhaja Lateef Jakande; and Third Republic governor, Sir Michael Otedola.
Earlier on Sunday, 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 rich cultural heritage. The ritual procession, marked by the ceremonial bearing of the Opambata, symbolised guidance, protection and the transmission of tradition across generations.
Describing the Eyo Festival as a powerful expression of identity and continuity, Sanwo-Olu said the ceremony marked the formal commencement of the annual celebration and underscored the deep cultural roots of Lagos.
“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 cultural heritage to both local and international audiences,” the governor said.
He stressed that culture remains central to societal relevance and continuity, noting that Lagos is not only the Centre of Excellence and Nigeria’s economic nerve centre but also a melting point of culture and tourism.
The governor commended participants for their turnout and highlighted the symbolic black-and-white attire worn by adherents as a representation of unity, peace and progress. He also thanked the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, for championing the festival, which returns after eight years.
The event was attended by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat; the First Lady, Dr. (Mrs.) Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu; members of the state executive council; and other dignitaries.
In his remarks, the Olori Eyo, Chief Adebola Dosunmu, explained that the Ijade Opa Eyo forms part of the preparatory rites leading to the main festival and formally signals the certainty of the forthcoming celebration. He said the procession traditionally includes visits to family houses, traditional palaces, the Oba’s Palace, the Governor’s residence and other significant locations, including the residence of President Bola Tinubu.
Dosunmu also outlined key cultural guidelines governing the festival, including restrictions on footwear, caps and scarves, and a prohibition on photographing sacred Orishas, while permitting photographs of the Eyo masquerades. He emphasised that culture predates modern religions and represents an inherited identity passed down through generations.
The Ijade Opa Eyo procession, he said, reflects Lagos’ enduring resolve to protect its ancestral customs, reinforcing culture as a unifying force and a cornerstone of the state’s history, identity and tourism appeal.
