Lagos came alive on Saturday, December 27, as the historic Eyo masquerade festival was held for the first time in eight years, drawing dignitaries, tourists, and cultural enthusiasts from across the country and beyond.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was among the notable figures in attendance, alongside his wife, Oluremi, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, his deputy, Kadri Hamzat, senior government officials, traditional rulers, and prominent Lagosians, marking a major cultural comeback for the state.
The colourful procession featured the iconic white-clad Eyo masquerades, known as Adimu, parading major streets of Lagos Island, including the ceremonial route from Iga Idunganran to Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS).
Thousands of spectators lined the streets, celebrating the rich Yoruba heritage and the enduring legacy of Lagos’ indigenous culture.
The Eyo festival, traditionally staged to commemorate significant events such as the ascension of an Oba or the passage of a notable personality, had not been held since 2017 due to a mix of socio-political and public health challenges.
The masquerade was first staged publicly in 1854 to welcome Queen Victoria of England to Lagos. Since then, it has become a colourful and important symbol of Lagos’ culture and tradition.
This year’s Eyo festival is dedicated to honouring four eminent Lagos indigenes: the late Iyaloja-General, Chief Abibat Mogaji (mother of President Tinubu); the first military Governor of Lagos, Brigadier-General Mobolaji Johnson; the first civilian Governor, Alhaji Lateef Jakande; and the Third Republic Governor, Sir Michael Otedola.
Earlier, Tinubu and Governor Sanwo-Olu featured prominently in the traditional Ijade Opa Eyo procession, which heralded the Eyo Festival.
Receiving the staff, Sanwo-Olu said the festival showcases Lagos as a beacon of culture and tourism.
“We know that indeed there is a strong and rich tradition and culture in Lagos. People without a culture are going extinct. If you don’t have a culture, you are not relevant. What are you living for? What are you passing on? What are you transferring?
“So it would be a cultural event that we will use to demonstrate to all of our visitors and friends that Lagos is not only the Centre of Excellence and the commercial and economic nerve centre of our country, but it is also the melting point of culture and tourism,” the governor was quoted by saying in a statement signed by his Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile.
What does the return of the Eyo festival after eight years mean for Lagos’ culture and tourism? Share your thoughts on the celebration and its significance in the comments section.