TINUBU PARTICIPATES IN ICONIC EYO FESTIVAL AS LAGOS HONOURS MOBOLAJI JOHNSON, JAKANDE, OTHERS (PHOTOS)

By: Sefiu Ajape

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Saturday joined thousands of revellers at Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos Island, for the grand finale of the 2025 Eyo Festival, also known as the Adamu Orisha Play.

Dressed in a flowing white robe, a damask sash draped over his shoulder, and a signature hat embellished with bold decorative stars, the President blended seamlessly with other participants as he carried the traditional long staff known as opambata.

The colourful cultural spectacle marked the climax of a week-long celebration and followed an earlier ceremonial presentation of the festival staff and homage paid to the President at his Lagos residence on Sunday, December 21.

Dating back to 1854, the Eyo Festival returned this year after an eight-year hiatus, with the 2025 edition standing out for honouring four eminent Lagos personalities, rather than the customary one or three individuals.

Those celebrated were Brigadier Mobolaji Johnson (Rtd.), first military administrator of Lagos State; Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande, the first civilian governor of the state; Chief Sir Michael Otedola, a former civilian governor; and Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji, former Iyaloja General and mother of President Tinubu.

The carnival once again showcased Lagos’ rich cultural heritage, as various Yoruba families participated in colourful regalia, traditional dances, chants, and symbolic displays promoting unity and peace.

In a message to the organisers, President Tinubu described the festival as “a great rekindling of our culture”.

He said: “The Eyo Festival is a vibrant expression of the rich traditions of Lagos.

“It celebrates the achievements, outstanding contributions, and exemplary lives of distinguished Nigerians-not only eminent Lagosians.”

The President added that the honourees were worthy of the recognition accorded them.

“They were leaders and builders whose visionary leadership, influence, and diligence in public service helped nurture Lagos State to both national and international prominence.”

President Tinubu further noted the significance of the festival coinciding with the popular Detty December season, a period that attracts thousands of Nigerians in the diaspora and foreign visitors to Lagos.

“It is a reminder that our culture and traditions hold great tourism potential. Indeed, our cultural assets can serve as valuable resources for destination promotion.

“The glamour of white-robed figures parading our streets in celebration of distinguished Lagosians sends a resounding message about our identity and our country.”

He also urged participants to celebrate responsibly, stressing the need for peace and safety throughout the festivities.

In his welcome address, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, described the occasion as historic and symbolic, particularly with the presence of the President.

“What we’re celebrating here today is the first of its kind. As our son, our father, we are seated with the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to witness a history of the cultural heritage of Lagos.

“Mr. President, it is not just a coincidence; it is history in your lifetime that is being put in place today.

“We honour you, give God the glory for your life, and we are indeed excited that God Almighty can bring you and most of your people to celebrate the best of the cultural heritage of Lagos,” he said.

Governor Sanwo-Olu also commended traditional institutions in the state, under the leadership of the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, for their role in reviving the festival.

“Today, we gather on this historic ground at Tafawa Balewa Square, wrapped in the timeless majesty of the Eyo Festival, the sacred Adamu Orisha Play.

“After an eight-year interval, this revered tradition returns to Lagos in full splendour, standing as a powerful affirmation of our identity, our resilience, and our unbroken connection to our history.

“The Eyo Festivalis far more than a pageantry. It is a living archive of our Yoruba heritage and a symbol of unity, purity, and the communal strength of Lagos.”

The governor assured residents that his administration would continue to pursue socio-economic development while preserving Lagos’ cultural identity, adding that the festival would be fully leveraged to project the state on the global stage.

Several dignitaries graced the event, including 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 officials of both the federal and Lagos State governments.

The celebration featured cultural performances, traditional dances, indigenous music and chants, and a grand procession of Eyo groups, before concluding with special prayers for the President and the nation.

See more photos from the event below: