Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has described the Eyo Festival as a vital platform for showcasing Lagos not only as Nigeria’s economic hub but also as a centre of culture and tourism with global appeal.
The governor spoke on Sunday at Lagos House, Marina, during the Ijade Opa Eyo procession, where the Olori Eyo, White Cap Chiefs and other traditional leaders paid homage to him as part of activities heralding the 2025 Eyo Festival scheduled for Saturday, December 27.
This year’s Eyo Festival will honour notable figures in Lagos’ history, including the late Iyaloja-General, Chief Abibat Mogaji; the first military governor of Lagos State, Mobolaji Johnson; the first civilian governor, Alhaja Lateef Jakande; and the Third Republic governor, Sir Michael Otedola.
Earlier in the day, Lagos Island came alive with the traditional Ijade Opa Eyo procession, which passed through key historic locations. The ritual featured the ceremonial bearing of the Opambata, symbolising guidance, protection and the transmission of cultural heritage across generations.
Speaking at the event, which featured traditional songs, prayers and performances led by the Olori Eyo and Akinsiku of Lagos, Chief Adebola Dosunmu, Governor Sanwo-Olu said the procession marked the formal commencement of the Eyo Festival.
He described the festival as a powerful expression of identity and continuity, stressing that culture is essential to a people’s relevance and survival. The governor also commended participants for their large turnout, noting that the traditional black-and-white attire symbolised unity, peace and progress.
“The Eyo Festival will be a day of joy and pride for Lagos. It will be colourful, joyous and a clear demonstration of the depth of our cultural heritage to both local and international visitors,” Sanwo-Olu said.
He added that Lagos remains not only the Centre of Excellence and the nation’s economic nerve centre but also a melting point of culture and tourism.
The governor thanked the Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu, for championing the 2025 Eyo Festival, noting that the celebration comes eight years after the last major outing in the state.
Also speaking, the Olori Eyo, Chief Adebola Dosunmu, explained that the Ijade Opa Eyo is a preparatory rite that signals the certainty of the forthcoming festival. He said the procession involves visits to traditional palaces, family houses, the Oba’s Palace, the Governor’s residence and other significant locations.
Dosunmu outlined cultural rules guiding the festival, including restrictions on footwear, caps and scarves, as well as a ban on photographing sacred Orishas, while allowing pictures of Eyo masquerades. He emphasised that culture predates modern religions and remains an inherited identity passed down through generations.
The event was attended by Deputy Governor Dr Obafemi Hamzat, First Lady Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, cabinet members and other dignitaries, as the state reaffirmed its commitment to preserving its rich cultural heritage and promoting tourism.