Eyo Festival a symbol of Nigeria’s rich culture – Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu on Saturday described the Eyo Festival of Lagos State as a powerful expression of Nigeria’s rich culture and identity.

Tinubu, who spoke at the Eyo Festival held at the Tafawa Balewa Square on Lagos Island, said the event underscored the nation’s heritage and celebrated the lives and legacies of distinguished Lagosians whose contributions helped to shape the state and the country as whole.

The Eyo Festival, also known as Adamu Orisa Play, is an iconic cultural celebration of Lagos State to commemorate the passing of traditional rulers or other illustrious children of the state.

The festival features masquerades known as Eyo, which are clad in flowing white robes, with hats, and carrying staffs known as Opambata as they hold a procession through major streets on Lagos island.

The 2025 Eyo Festival was in honour of 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.

In a speech printed on the programme of the event, Tinubu said it was heartwarming to witness the festival in honour of the late distinguished leaders.

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He stated that the vision and influence of the late leaders, as well as their diligence in public service, helped to nurture Lagos State to national and international prominence.

He described the festival as more than a celebration, saying that it reflected the rich culture, beliefs and traditions of Lagos and Nigeria at large.

“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.

Tinubu added that the timing of the festival, coinciding with the “Detty December” season, highlighted the immense tourism potential of Nigeria, especially as Lagos continued to attract Nigerians in the Diaspora and foreigners.

He congratulated the Lagos State government, the state’s traditional institutions and Oba Rilwan Akiolu of Lagos.

Tinubu also praised Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, his Deputy, Obafemi Hamzat, and the state’s Executive Council for the honour accorded 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,” the President stated.

Five different Eyo Orisha left their conclave in order of seniority at the event. They are Eyo Adimu, Eyo Alaketepuppa (Laba) Eyo Oniko, Eyo Ologede and Eyo Agere.

On his part, Sanwo-Olu described the Eyo Festival as a powerful affirmation of the identity of Lagos, its resilience and unbroken connection to history.

He noted that the Adimu Orisa tradition returned in full splendour after an eight-year interval, at the festival.

“Today, we gather on this historic ground at the Tafawa Balewa Square, wrapped in the timeless majesty of the Eyo Festival, the sacred Adimu Orisa.

“After an eight-year interval, this revered tradition returns in full splendour, standing as a powerful affirmation of our identity, our resilience and our unbroken connection to our history,” the governor said.

He expressed gratitude to the custodians of the tradition and traditional institutions for sustaining the heritage over the years.

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