President Bola Tinubu has described the Eyo Festival of Lagos State as a powerful expression of Nigeria’s rich culture, heritage and identity, saying it celebrates the enduring legacies of distinguished Lagosians who helped shape the state and the nation.
In a message attributed to him and printed in the programme of the festival held on Saturday at Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos Island, the President said the Eyo Festival went beyond pageantry, reflecting the beliefs, traditions and shared identity of the Nigerian people.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the 2025 Eyo Festival, also known as the Adamu Orisa Play, was staged in honour of four eminent personalities: the late Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji, Tinubu’s mother and revered market leader; the late Alhaji Lateef Jakande, the first civilian Governor of Lagos State; the late Brig.-Gen. Mobolaji Johnson, the first military Administrator of Lagos; and the late Sir Michael Otedola.
Tinubu said it was heartwarming to witness the celebration in honour of leaders whose vision, influence and diligence in public service helped nurture Lagos to national and international prominence.
“The glamour of white-robed figures parading the streets in celebration of distinguished Lagosians sends a resounding message about our identity as a people and as a country,” the President said.
He added that the timing of the festival, coinciding with the popular “Detty December” season, underscored Nigeria’s vast tourism potential, as Lagos continued to attract Nigerians in the diaspora and international visitors.
Tinubu congratulated the Lagos State Government, traditional institutions and the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, for the successful hosting of the festival. He also commended Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, his deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, and members of the state’s Executive Council for honouring the families of the honourees.
“I am especially grateful for the honour bestowed upon my late mother, Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji, the Iyaloja-General of Nigeria and a highly revered women leader,” he said.
NAN reports that five Eyo Orisa emerged from their conclaves in order of seniority: Eyo Adimu, Eyo Alaketepupa (Laba), Eyo Oniko, Eyo Ologede and Eyo Agere.
Speaking at the event, Governor Sanwo-Olu described the Eyo Festival as a powerful affirmation of Lagos’ identity, resilience and unbroken connection to history, noting that the revered Adimu Orisa tradition returned in full splendour after an eight-year interval.
“This year’s festival is of special significance as it collectively honours eminent personalities whose lives and legacies shaped Lagos and Nigeria,” the governor said.
Sanwo-Olu paid special tribute to Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji, describing her as a symbol of strength, enterprise and service to Lagos women, while reaffirming that the Eyo Festival remained a living archive of Yoruba heritage and a major driver of tourism and economic activity.
The Eyo Festival, which dates back to 1854, remains the highest traditional honour in Lagos State, bestowed on individuals who made outstanding contributions to the growth and development of the state.