By: Tijani Salako.

The Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture has described the revitalised Eyo Festival as a royal Christmas gift for Lagosians.

The Commissioner, Mrs Toke Benson-Awoyinka, expressed her delight at the return of the iconic cultural celebration, noting that the festival was last held eight years ago and was long overdue.

Mrs Benson-Awoyinka made this known on Saturday during the Eyo Festival carnival held at Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos Island. She described the Eyo Festival as a significant cultural heritage of Lagos State with over 300 years of history.

According to her, the eight-year pause helped build anticipation among Lagosians and rekindled interest in the state’s rich cultural heritage.

“The Eyo Festival is our Christmas gift. It is our heritage celebration of over 300 years.

“The long-overdue celebration gave our people reasons to anticipate and yearn for the experience of our culture and traditions, something that binds us together,” she said.

Mrs Benson-Awoyinka further hailed the festival as “the heartbeat of Lagos’ indigenous identity,” expressing excitement over the massive turnout of residents and visitors.
She also commended the peaceful conduct of attendees, noting that the no casualties recorded in turn reflecting the positive spirit of the people of Lagos State.

The Eyo Festival, also known as the Adamu Orisha Play, is a major cultural event in Lagos State traditionally held to commemorate the passing of traditional rulers or other prominent individuals.

The festival features masquerades known as Eyo, clad in flowing white robes and hats, carrying staffs known as Opambata, as they procession through major streets on Lagos Island.

The 2025 Eyo Festival was held in honour of notable figures including the late Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji, mother of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and a revered market leader; the late Alhaji Lateef Jakande, the first civilian Governor of Lagos State; the late Brigadier-General Mobolaji Johnson, the first Military Administrator of Lagos State; and the late Sir Michael Otedola.

The Eyo Festival, which began in 1854, represents the highest traditional honour in Lagos State and is reserved for individuals who made significant contributions to the development of the state.

Tradition strictly forbids wearing shoes during the festival and taking photographs of the sacred top five Eyo masquerades: Adamu Orisha, Alaketepupa (Laba), Oniko, Ologede, and Eyo Alagere.