President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Saturday participated in the grand finale of the 2025 Eyo Festival, marking a historic return of the iconic cultural celebration after an eight-year hiatus.
Dressed in traditional white attire, with a damask sash across his shoulder, a star-adorned hat, and holding the symbolic staff known as opambata, the President joined other revellers at the colourful event held at Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos.
Activities for the week-long festival commenced on Sunday, December 21, with traditional rites that included the presentation of the festival staff to the President at his Lagos residence.
The Eyo Festival, which dates back to 1854, was staged this year in honour of four eminent Lagos personalities—an uncommon departure from the tradition of recognising one or three individuals. The honourees are the first military administrator of Lagos State, Brigadier Mobolaji Johnson; the first civilian governor of the state, 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.
The carnival highlighted the rich cultural heritage of Lagos, with various Yoruba families participating in elaborate regalia, traditional dances, and ceremonial processions symbolising unity and peace.
In a message to the organisers, President Tinubu described the festival as “a great rekindling of our culture,” noting that the Eyo Festival represents a vibrant expression of Lagos’ rich traditions and celebrates the achievements and exemplary lives of distinguished Nigerians beyond Lagos State.
He said the honourees were worthy of recognition, describing them as leaders whose visionary leadership, public service, and dedication contributed significantly to the growth and global stature of Lagos State.
The President also drew attention to the festival’s timing during the annual “Detty December” period, when Lagos hosts thousands of Nigerians in the diaspora and international visitors. He said the celebration underscored the tourism potential inherent in Nigeria’s cultural assets, adding that the spectacle of white-robed Eyo masquerades parading the streets sends a powerful message about the nation’s identity.
President Tinubu urged all participants to celebrate peacefully and ensure the safety of all revellers.
In his welcome address, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu described the occasion as both historic and symbolic, characterising the President’s participation as a cultural homecoming.
Governor Sanwo-Olu commended the traditional institutions under the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, for their leadership in reviving the festival, describing the Eyo Festival as a living archive of Yoruba heritage and a symbol of unity, purity, and communal strength.
He assured residents that his administration would continue to pursue socio-economic development while preserving the state’s cultural identity, adding that the festival would be leveraged to further project Lagos 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 Lagos State government officials.
The celebration featured cultural performances, traditional dances, indigenous music and chants, as well as a procession of Eyo groups, and concluded with special prayers for the President and the nation.
