President Bola Tinubu and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Sunday featured prominently in the traditional Ijade Opa Eyo procession, which heralded the upcoming iconic Eyo Festival.

[From right] President Bola Tinubu; his Principal Private Secretary, Mr. Hakeem Muri-Okunola and Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu during the Ijade Eyo Procession, at the President’s Home in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Sunday, 21 December 2025. Photo: LASG

The colourful procession, which moved through historic locations on Lagos Island, including the Marina and Ikoyi, signifies the official commencement of activities for the Adamu Orisa Play scheduled for Saturday, December 27.

The high point of the event at the Lagos House, Marina, was the presentation of the sacred Opambata (the staff of authority) to Sanwo-Olu by the Akinsiku of Lagos, Chief Adebola Dosunmu.

Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; President Bola Tinubu; the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu and the Akinsiku of Lagos, Chief Adebola Dosunmu during the Ijade Eyo Procession, at the President’s Home in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Sunday, 21 December 2025.

Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; President Bola Tinubu and the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu during the Ijade Eyo Procession, at the President’s Home in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Sunday, 21 December 2025.

Receiving the staff, Sanwo-Olu said the festival showcases Lagos as a beacon of culture and tourism.

“We know that indeed there is a strong and rich tradition and culture in Lagos. People without a culture are going extinct. If you don’t have a culture, you are not relevant. What are you living for? What are you passing on? What are you transferring?

“So it would be a cultural event that we will use to demonstrate to all of our visitors and friends that Lagos is not only the Centre of Excellence and the commercial and economic nerve centre of our country, but it is also the melting point of culture and tourism,” the governor was quoted by saying in a statement signed by his Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile.

Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu (right) presented with the Opambata by the Akinsiku of Lagos, Chief Adebola Dosunmu during the Ijade Eyo Procession, at Lagos House, Marina, on Sunday, 21 December 2025.

Earlier, the procession paid a homage visit to the President at his Ikoyi residence, where he was joined by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and Governor Sanwo-Olu.

The Olori Eyo, Chief Dosunmu, explained that the Ijade Opa Eyo involves visits to family houses, traditional palaces, and significant locations to signal the certainty of the main festival.

He outlined key cultural rules for the festival, including restrictions on footwear and a prohibition on photographing the sacred Orishas.

Akinsiku of Lagos, Chief Adebola Dosunmu; Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Opeluwa of Lagos, Chief Yusuf Ajose Aderibigbe and a chieftain during the Ijade Eyo Procession, at Lagos House, Marina, on Sunday, 21 December 2025.

This year’s Eyo festival is dedicated to honouring four eminent Lagos indigenes: the late Iyaloja-General, Chief Abibat Mogaji (mother of President Tinubu); the first military Governor of Lagos, Brigadier-General Mobolaji Johnson; the first civilian Governor, Alhaji Lateef Jakande; and the Third Republic Governor, Sir Michael Otedola.

The event was attended by Deputy Governor Dr Obafemi Hamzat, the First Lady of Lagos, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, cabinet members, and White Cap Chiefs.

Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu (middle); his wife, Dr. Ibijoke (fourth right); Opeluwa of Lagos, Chief Yusuf Ajose Aderibigbe (third right); Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat (fourth left); the Akinsiku of Lagos, Chief Adebola Dosunmu (third left); Head of Service, Mr. Olabode Agoro (left) and others during the Ijade Eyo Procession, at Lagos House, Marina, on Sunday, 21 December 2025.

(PUNCH)

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