TINUBU HAILS 73RD EYO FESTIVAL AS RENAISSANCE OF LAGOS CULTURE
… As Sanwo-Olu, Benson-Awoyinka, Aregbe Reaffirm Commitment To Cultural Identity
The Lagos State Government has once again demonstrated its unwavering commitment to cultural preservation with the successful staging of the 73rd Adamu Orisa Play, popularly known as the Eyo Festival, marking a historic return of the revered festival after an eight-year hiatus.
Held at the iconic Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), Onikan, on Saturday, December 27, 2025, the festival attracted a distinguished gathering of national and state leaders, traditional institutions, residents, and visitors from within and outside Nigeria.
Those in attendance include President Bola Ahmed Tinubu; Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, and Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, alongside other eminent personalities from across the country.
The President described the Eyo Festival as a rekindling of Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage and a celebration of achievements, outstanding contributions, and exemplary lives of distinguished and eminent Lagosians
Speaking at the event, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to safeguarding Lagos’ cultural identity in alignment with the THEMES Plus development agenda, stressing that the Eyo Festival represents unity, pride, and a bridge between tradition and modernity.
“The Eyo Festival is a powerful demonstration of our commitment to preserving Lagos’ cultural heritage. It reminds us of who we are, where we come from, and the responsibility we bear to pass our traditions on to future generations,” the Governor said.
He expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his presence and continued support for Lagos, as well as to the Oba of Lagos, His Royal Majesty, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, for approving the staging of the festival.
The Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, described the festival as a defining moment in Lagos’ cultural renaissance, noting that its revival reflects deliberate leadership, strategic planning, and a conscious investment in preserving traditions that define the soul of Lagos.
While welcoming President Tinubu and other dignitaries, the Commissioner stated that the Eyo Festival goes beyond pageantry, serving as a living symbol of Lagos' history, unity, and resilience that has endured for over three centuries.
“This celebration is our heritage, our Christmas, and our identity as a people. Culture defines who we are, and today, we proudly showcase over 300 years of Lagos history in one sacred space,” Benson-Awoyinka said.
The 2025 edition of the Adamu Orisa Play was particularly significant as it honoured the legacies of four eminent Lagosians whose lives and contributions have left indelible marks on the State and the nation. They include the late Iyaloja-General of Lagos, Chief Abibat Mogaji, revered market leader and matriarch of commerce; the first Military Governor of Lagos State, Brigadier-General Mobolaji Johnson; the first civilian Governor of Lagos State, Alhaji Lateef Jakande, and former Governor of Lagos State, Sir Michael Otedola.
Mrs. Benson-Awoyinka described Chief Abibat Mogaji as an enduring symbol of enterprise, leadership, and service, whose influence transcended the marketplace to shape public life and community development, particularly for women
She further explained that the Eyo tradition, historically staged to escort the souls of distinguished contributors to the ancestral realm, remains one of Africa’s most profound cultural expressions, symbolising purity, continuity, discipline, and communal strength.
The Commissioner also noted that the peaceful conduct of the festival, marked by a massive turnout, joy, and discipline, reflected effective planning, strong inter-agency collaboration, and the collective ownership of Lagosians over their cultural heritage.
Mrs. Benson-Awoyinka, however, invited the global community to experience Lagos through its culture, stating that the successful staging of the 73rd Eyo Festival reinforces the State’s reputation as a vibrant, safe, and globally relevant cultural destination.
“Lagos is open. Lagos is vibrant. Lagos is proud of its heritage. And we will continue to preserve our culture while confidently advancing into the future,” she said.
The festival grounds came alive with a colourful procession of several Eyo Igas, led by the Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr. Idris Aregbe. The Eyo Igas were resplendent in their traditional white robes and symbolic Opambata staff, reinforcing the spiritual and cultural essence of the ancient tradition.
Among the Eyo groups on display were Akintoye, Ashogbon, Aromire, Ajagun, Arobadade, Akogun Olofin, Apena, Ajanaku, Asesi, Aiyeomosan, Alaagba, Asajon, Awise, Bajulaiye, Bashua, Egbe, Elegushi, Faji, Jakande, Kosoko, Dosunmu, Olofin, Ojora, Oloto, Olumegbon, Erelu Kuti, Eletu Odibo, Oshodi Tapa, Suenu, Taiwo Olowo, Oniru, Elemoro, among others.
Dignitaries at the event included former Lagos State Governors Babatunde Fashola and Akinwunmi Ambode; former Ogun State Governor, Chief Olusegun Osoba; former Deputy Governor, Mr. Femi Pedro; Chief of Staff to the President, Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila; Minister of Finance, Mr. Wale Edun; Chief Kensington Adebutu; members of the Lagos State Executive Council; captains of industry; traditional rulers, and Nigerians in the diaspora.
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