Eyo Festival: Lagos Set to Celebrate Iconic Cultural Event for First Time Since 2017

Lagos is set to come alive once again as preparations intensify for the much-anticipated Eyo

Festival, one of the state’s most iconic and culturally significant celebrations. The arrival of

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Tafawa Balewa Square, where he was received by Lagos

State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has further heightened public interest in the festival, which

is being celebrated for the first time since 2017.

The Eyo Festival, also known as the Adamu Orisha Play, is a traditional Yoruba ceremony

deeply rooted in the history of Lagos. It is characterized by the appearance of thousands of

masquerades known as “Eyo,

” dressed in flowing white robes and wide-brimmed hats, moving

ceremoniously through major streets of the city while wielding staffs called opambata. The

festival symbolizes transition, unity, and the spiritual protection of the city.

Historically, the Eyo Festival was first celebrated in the 19th century during the reign of Oba

Akintoye, primarily to honor the passing of a Lagos monarch or to commemorate significant

state events. Over time, it evolved into a major cultural spectacle, drawing tourists, historians,

and culture enthusiasts from across Nigeria and beyond. The festival is also used to usher in a

new Oba of Lagos or mark other important occasions in the state.

This year’s celebration is particularly symbolic, as it marks a revival after years of absence,

reinforcing Lagos’ commitment to preserving its cultural heritage. Government officials have

described the festival as a reflection of Lagos’ rich history, resilience, and identity, while also

serving as a platform to promote cultural tourism and unity among residents.

As Lagosians look forward to the procession of white-clad masquerades and the revival of

age-long traditions, the upcoming Eyo Festival stands as a reminder of the enduring cultural

soul of Africa’s most populous city.

Victoria Ojima Abiodun |TalkAfrica NG