By Ayomide Otitoju
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 in Onikan, Lagos Island, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to preserving the state’s cultural identity.
Standing nearly 40 feet tall, the Eyo Monument was described by Governor Sanwo-Olu as a symbol of Lagos’ heritage and a significant boost to the state’s cultural tourism initiatives. He said the landmark will serve educational and tourism purposes, contributing to both the economic and cultural development of Lagos.
“The Eyo monument represents the essence of Lagos culture and identity. Its location within the John Randle Centre makes it a fitting landmark for preserving and showcasing Yoruba art, history, and tradition,” Governor Sanwo-Olu said. He added that the monument tells the story of Lagos to the world and will offer visitors a unique space to learn, take photographs, and engage with the state’s history.
The governor also commended the monument’s curator, renowned Nigerian artist Dotun Popoola, for his craftsmanship and creativity, describing the work as a reflection of Nigerian excellence and a demonstration of how indigenous talent can preserve history through art.
The John Randle Centre, he noted, provides a complete cultural experience with exhibition spaces, an amphitheatre, a village square, a gift shop, and other creative installations designed to immerse visitors in Yoruba culture. He acknowledged the support of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, stakeholders, and traditional institutions, particularly the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, emphasizing that collaboration is key to sustaining Lagos’ rich cultural legacy.
Qudus Onikeku, CEO of the John Randle Centre, described the Eyo Monument as a major cultural achievement for Lagos. He said the monument, which stands on a six-foot base and rises nearly 40 feet, is the tallest of its kind in the state. Visitors can explore its interior, which features exhibitions and installations narrating the history of Lagos and its communities.
Dotun Popoola, the monument’s curator, explained that the structure was conceived as a storytelling space reflecting the diverse historical journey of Lagos. Visitors can climb into the monument to engage with curated spaces and visual narratives that interpret the state’s cultural evolution.
Plans are also underway to produce a documentary film chronicling the Eyo Monument, the Eyo tradition, and Lagos’ broader cultural heritage, aimed at deepening public engagement with the state’s history.
