By: Tijani Salako.

President Bola Tinubu, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, and other prominent personalities on Saturday gathered at Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), Lagos, to join thousands of residents and culture enthusiasts at the grand finale of the 73rd Eyo Festival, marking the return of the iconic cultural parade after an eight-year hiatus.

The 2025 Eyo Festival attracted dignitaries from across the country, including Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, as Lagos residents trooped out in large numbers to celebrate the state’s rich heritage. The colourful procession featured multiple Eyo masqueraders performing traditional rites steeped in spirituality and symbolism.

Popularly known as the Adamu Orisha Play, the Eyo Festival is predominantly celebrated in Isale Eko and is regarded as the most iconic traditional event on Lagos Island. Historically, it served as a sacred rite to escort the soul of a departed Oba or chief to the afterlife and to usher in a new era of leadership.

Government officials and traditional emissaries participated in the rites, with prayers and sacrifices offered by the Eyo Orisha during the Iga Eyo procession, symbolising spiritual cleansing and renewal.

At the event held at TBS, President Tinubu appeared in the traditional white attire associated with the Eyo masqueraders, complete with a damask sash and the customary opambata staff, which had earlier been presented to him at his Lagos residence.

The festival also honoured four eminent Lagos figures: former Military Administrator of Lagos State, Brigadier-General Mobolaji Johnson; former Governors Lateef Jakande and Chief Sir Michael Otedola; and the late Alhaja Abibat Mogaji, former Iyaloja-General of Lagos and mother of President Tinubu.

In a message to the organisers, President Tinubu described the celebration as “a great rekindling of our culture,” noting that it highlights the richness of Lagos traditions and the achievements of distinguished Nigerians. He added that the timing of the festival, coinciding with the festive travel season, underscores the tourism potential of Nigeria’s cultural heritage.

“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 said, adding that all honourees deserved the recognition.

He described them as leaders whose visionary leadership and dedication to public service helped elevate Lagos State to national and international prominence, while urging revelers to celebrate peacefully and ensure the safety of all participants.

In his welcome address, Governor Sanwo-Olu described the festival as a “homecoming” for the President and a significant moment in the preservation of Yoruba heritage.

“What we are celebrating here today is historic. As our son and our father, the President and Commander-in-Chief is here to witness the living heritage of Lagos,” the governor said, adding that the festival’s return after eight years symbolises resilience, unity, and cultural continuity.

Sanwo-Olu commended the traditional institutions under the leadership of the Oba of Lagos for reviving the festival and assured that his administration would continue to promote socio-economic development while preserving cultural heritage. He also pledged to maximise the festival’s potential in projecting Lagos on the global stage.

Other dignitaries at the event included Minister of State for Finance, Doris Uzoka-Anite; Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; members of the diplomatic corps; and federal and state officials.

Believed to date back to 1854, the festival featured colourful processions by various Eyo groups, traditional music and dance performances, and concluded with prayers for Nigeria and the President.