The ancient city of Lagos formally entered the spiritual and cultural countdown to the Eyo Festival 2025 with the historic Ijade Ọpa Ẹyọ procession, as Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, in the presence of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, received the revered Opa Ẹyọ at Lagos House, Marina.
The solemn yet colourful ceremony saw the arrival of the Olori Ẹyọ, White Cap Chiefs, traditional leaders, and other key participants, marking a defining moment in the lead-up to the Adamu Orisa Play, scheduled for Saturday, December 27, 2025, with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the Guest of Honour at the Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), Lagos.
Earlier, the sacred procession had been led by the Akinisiku of Lagos, Chief Adebola Olalekan Alabi Dosunmu, the Custodian of the Adamu Orisa Play. At the heart of the procession was the Opambata (Ọpa Ẹyọ), a powerful symbol of authority, guidance, ancestral order, and spiritual protection, borne through the city to signal the official commencement of the Eyo Festival rites.
Addressing the gathering, Governor Sanwo-Olu described the Eyo Festival as a powerful platform for projecting Lagos beyond its status as Nigeria’s economic and commercial hub. He noted that the festival showcases Lagos as a city deeply rooted in history, culture, and tourism, emphasising that culture remains the anchor of identity, continuity, and relevance.
According to the Governor, the Eyo Festival 2025 honours outstanding individuals whose lives and legacies helped shape Lagos State and Nigeria. These include the late Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji, OON, MFR, Iyaloja-General of Nigeria and mother of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu; Brigadier Mobolaji Johnson, the first Military Governor of Lagos State; Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande, the first Civilian Governor of Lagos State; and Sir Michael Otedola, former Governor of Lagos State during the Third Republic.
Governor Sanwo-Olu affirmed that the commencement of the festival through the Ijade Ọpa Ẹyọ speaks to the shared identity and historical continuity of the Lagos people, warning that societies that lose touch with their culture risk losing their sense of purpose.
He expressed appreciation to the Oba of Lagos, His Majesty Oba Rilwan Akiolu, for his leadership and for championing the return and sustainability of the Eyo Festival after an eight-year hiatus. He also thanked residents, cultural custodians, and visitors for turning out to support and celebrate Lagos’ enduring heritage.
As Lagos looks ahead to December 27, the Governor expressed confidence that Eyo Festival 2025 would be a proud moment for the state, welcoming guests from across Nigeria and the world, while reaffirming Lagos’ dual identity as the Centre of Excellence in commerce and a true home of culture and tradition.
