President Bola Tinubu on Saturday made a historic appearance at the grand finale of the 2025 Eyo Festival in Lagos, marking the first occurrence of this cultural event in eight years.
The president attended the vibrant ceremony at Tafawa Balewa Square, dressed in a white traditional robe, a damask sash, and a distinctive hat adorned with prominent star patterns.
Like other participants, he also carried the traditional staff known as opambata.
The week-long festival officially commenced earlier with traditional rituals, including the presentation of the festival staff to the president at his Lagos residence on Sunday, December 21.
Dating back to 1854, the Eyo Festival made a grand return this year, honoring four notable figures from Lagos.
These included the late Brigadier Mobolaji Johnson, the first military administrator of Lagos State; the late Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande, the first civilian governor; the late Sir Michael Otedola, a former civilian governor; and the late Alhaja Abibat Mogaji, former Iyaloja of Lagos and the president’s mother.
This year’s celebration marked a shift from tradition, as the festival typically honors one or three individuals.
The event showcased Lagos’ rich cultural heritage, with various Yoruba families participating in vibrant processions, traditional dances, chants, and symbolic displays of unity and peace.
In a message to the organizers, Tinubu referred to the Eyo Festival as a significant revival of Lagos culture.
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According to a statement from his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, the president emphasized that the festival celebrates the accomplishments and legacies of distinguished Nigerians beyond Lagos State.
He remarked that the honorees were visionary leaders whose public service contributed to making Lagos a state of national and international significance.
The president also noted that the festival coincided with Detty December, a time that attracts numerous visitors from abroad and other regions.
He stated that the festival highlights the strong tourism potential of Nigeria’s cultural heritage and positions Lagos as a global destination. President Tinubu encouraged all participants to celebrate peacefully and ensure the safety of everyone involved.
In his welcoming address, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu described the event as historic and symbolic, referring to it as a homecoming for the President.
He commended the traditional institutions under the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, for their role in reviving the festival after many years.
Gov. Sanwo-Olu expressed that the return of the Eyo Festival reflects Lagos’ resilience and deep connection to its cultural roots.
He assured residents that his administration would continue to foster economic growth while preserving the state’s traditions.
