By ADERONKE OJEDIRAN

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

Tinubu said on Saturday that the festival underscored the nation’s heritage and celebrated the lives and legacies of distinguished Lagosians whose contributions helped to shape the state and the entire Nigeria.

The festival held at the Tafa Balewa Square on Lagos Island.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Eyo Festival, also known as Adamu Orisa Play, is an iconic cultural celebration of Lagos State done to commemorate the passing of traditional rulers or other illustrious children of Lagos 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 attributed to the President and printed on the programme of the event, Tinubu said it was heartwarming to witness the festival in honour of the late distinguished leaders.

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 the state Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, his Deputy, Dr 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,” Tinubu said.

NAN reports that 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.

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.

“On behalf of the government and the people of Lagos, I express profound gratitude to our traditional leaders and custodians of heritage.

“Your leadership and guardianship have ensured that these sacred rites, once again, unite our people in shared memory, reverence and pride,” Sanwo-Olu said.

The governor said that the 2025 edition of the festival was of special significance as it collectively honoured eminent personalities whose lives and legacies shaped Lagos and the entire Nigeria.

“This year’s festival honours distinguished figures whose legacies endure,” he said.

Sanwo-Olu paid a special tribute to Mogaji, describing her as an enduring symbol of strength, enterprise and service to Lagos women.

“As a market leader, activist, philanthropist and political pathfinder, Mama Abibatu Mogaji embodied courage, discipline and service.

“These virtues live on and are reflected in the leadership qualities we see today,” he said.

He said that the Eyo Festival was more than cultural pageantry, describing it as a living archive of Yoruba heritage and a symbol of unity, purity and communal strength.

Sanwo-Olu said the festival also projected Lagos to the global stage, boosting tourism and economic activity.

“Today, our streets become a theatre of history, our talking drums, a universal language, and our white-clad Eyos, ambassadors of an identity that is uniquely Lagos.

“The festival stimulates tourism, drives economic activity and invites the world to experience the true spirit of Lagos,” he said.

He welcomed visitors from across Nigeria and beyond, describing Lagos as Africa’s cultural capital.

“Lagos is open, Lagos is vibrant and full of possibility.

“As we watch the Eyo’s glide with solemn grace, let us renew our commitment to preserving our heritage even as we advance boldly under our T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Agenda.

“Progress is most meaningful when it is rooted in memory, culture and shared prosperity,” Sanwo-Olu said.

NAN reports that Eyo Festival began in 1854 and serves as the state’s highest traditional honour bestowed on individuals who contributed significantly to the growth and development of Lagos State. (NAN)

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