President Bola Tinubu; Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma and other eminent personalities joined the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu to celebrate the 73rd Eyo Festival on Saturday in Lagos State.
The Eyo Festival popularly called ‘Adamu Orisa play’ took place at Tafawa Balewa Square after eight hours of public procession.
In his speech titled, ‘Lagos accentuates the richness of Nigerian culture with Eyo Festival,’ President Tinubu noted the festival was more than a celebration and underscored the rich culture of Nigeria.
This year’s play was staged in honour of four distinguished personalities – the first military administrator of the state, Brigadier Mobolaji Johnson; first civilian Governor of the State, Alhaji Lateef Jakande, former Governor Michael Otedola and mother of President Tinubu, Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji.
The event began with colourful procession of the various Eyo with Elemoro, followed by Ajagun, Onitoolo, Adele Asese, Adimu Apena, Eletu Iwase, Arobadade, Oba Akintoye, Oloto, Saba, Akogun Olofin, Asajo, Kosoko Moronfolu, Opeluwa Onido, Ogunmade, Ojora Apasa, Oshodi Tapa, Olokun, Onikoyi, Eletu Omo and others.
The procession culminated with the most prominent Eyo groups who are Adimu, Okolaba, Oniko, Ologede and Agere.
In his speech, Tinubu said, “The Eyo Festival is a vibrant expression of the rich traditions of Lagos. It celebrates the achievements, outstanding contributions, and exemplary lives of distinguished Nigerians—not only eminent Lagosians.
“The 2025 Eyo Festival resonates deeply with me, as the four honourees are Lagosians who significantly contributed to charting the path to Lagos State’s greatness.
“They are almost deserving, posthumously, of this commemorative celebration and recognition. They were leaders and builders whose visionary leadership, influence, and diligence in public service helped nurture Lagos State to both national and international prominence.
“This festival is more than a celebration. It reflects the rich culture and beliefs of the people of Lagos and underscores the rich culture of our dear country, Nigeria.
“The timing of this festival is significant, coinciding with Detty December, a period when Lagos attracts thousands of Nigerians from the Diaspora and foreign visitors. It is a reminder that our culture and traditions hold great tourism potential.
“Indeed, our cultural assets can serve as valuable resources for destination promotion. The glamour of white-robed figures parading our streets in celebration of distinguished Lagosians sends a resounding message about our identity and our country.”
The president congratulated the people and government of the state, as well as the traditional institution in the state, especially the Oba of Lagos, HRM Oba Rilwanu Akiolu, on the success of the Eyo Festival.
Lagos State Governor, Sanwo-Olu said after eight years, the state is reviving the Festival to reassess Lagos as a proud custodian of Nigeria’s living culture.
Governor Sanwo-Olu said after an eight-year interval, the revered tradition returns in full splendour, standing as a powerful affirmation of “our identity, our resilience, and unbroken connection to our history.”
Sanwo-Olu added, “Today, through the long-awaited ride, we have found that our legacies endure and that their wisdom continues to guide our collective journey. Lagos, the heartbeat of Nigeria, draws its soul from a moment like this.
“The Eyo Festival is far more than pageantry, it is a living archive of our Yoruba heritage and a symbol of unity, a symbol of purity and the communal strength of Lagos. Across generations, it has marked the transition of kings, leaders and epochs. It returns after eight years to reassess Lagos as a proud custodian of Nigeria’s living culture.
“A city where tradition is not bounded but elevated beyond its cultural depth, the Eyo Festival projects Lagos onto the global stage. Today, our streets become a theater of history, our talking drums a universal language, and our white-clad Eyo’s ambassadors of identity very unique to Lagos.
Dignitaries at the venue included, the Governor of Imo State, Uzodimma; Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat; Speaker of the Lagos House of Assembly, Hon Mudashiru Obasa; Minister of Investment, Industry, Jumoke Oduwole, and Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun.
Others included, former Governor of Ogun State, Olusegun Osoba; ex-Governor of Lagos, Babatunde Fashola;, Oba of Lagos, HRM Akiolu; Kessington Adebutu (Baba Ijebu); wife of late Alhaji Jakande, Abimbola; Women Leader of All Progressives Congress (APC), Jumoke Okoya-Thomas; and Iyaloja General, Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, among others.
Segun James
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