Tinubu participates in historic Eyo Festival as Lagos revives sacred tradition after eight years

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Saturday joined thousands of revellers at the Grand Finale of the 2025 Eyo Festival at the Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos, marking a historic return of the revered cultural celebration after an eight-year hiatus.

Dressed in traditional white attire, with a damask sash across his shoulder, a star-emblazoned hat and the symbolic staff known as opambata, President Tinubu participated fully in the colourful procession, drawing cheers from attendees and cultural enthusiasts.

The week-long festival formally began on Sunday, December 21, with traditional rites, including the presentation of the festival staff to the President at his Lagos residence. Dating back to 1854, the Eyo Festival—also known as the Adamu Orisha Play—remains one of Lagos’ most iconic cultural expressions.

This year’s edition was notable for honouring four eminent Lagos personalities, a departure from the customary practice of celebrating one or three individuals. The honourees were the first military administrator of Lagos State, Brigadier Mobolaji Johnson; the first civilian governor, Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande; a former civilian governor, Sir Michael Otedola; and a former Iyaloja of Lagos and mother of the President, Alhaja Abibat Mogaji.

In a message to the organisers, President Tinubu described the festival as “a great rekindling of our culture,” noting that it celebrates the lives and contributions of leaders whose service helped shape Lagos into a state of national and international prominence.

“The Eyo Festival is a vibrant expression of the rich traditions of Lagos. It celebrates achievements, outstanding contributions and exemplary lives—not only of eminent Lagosians, but of distinguished Nigerians,” the President said.

He also highlighted the festival’s alignment with the popular “Detty December” season, when Lagos hosts large numbers of Nigerians in the diaspora and foreign visitors, stressing the tourism potential of Nigeria’s cultural heritage.

“Our culture and traditions hold immense tourism value. The spectacle of white-robed figures parading our streets sends a strong message about our identity and our country,” he added, urging revellers to celebrate peacefully and ensure the safety of all participants.

In his welcome address, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu described the event as both historic and symbolic of a homecoming for the President.

“What we are witnessing today is history. It is a rare privilege to celebrate our culture with our son and father, the President and Commander-in-Chief, present at this sacred festival,” Sanwo-Olu said.

The governor commended the traditional institutions under the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, for their leadership in reviving the festival, describing the Eyo as a living archive of Yoruba heritage and a symbol of unity, purity and resilience.

He assured that his administration would continue to pursue socio-economic development while preserving Lagos’ cultural identity, pledging to leverage the festival to further project the state on the global stage.

Dignitaries at the event included the Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma; Minister of State for Finance, Doris Uzoka; Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; members of the diplomatic corps; and senior federal and state government officials.

The celebration featured cultural performances, traditional dances, indigenous music and chants, and a procession of various Eyo groups, culminating in special prayers for President Tinubu and the nation.