Eyo Festival: Lagos’ Living Heritage And The Spirit of Lagos

By Prince Adeyemi Shonibare

History and Origin

The Eyo Festival, also known as the Adamu Orisha Play, stands as one of Africa’s most iconic cultural processions and the highest traditional honour in Lagos. Deeply rooted in the history of Lagos Island, its formal emergence dates to 1854, during the reign of Oba Akintoye.

Traditionally instituted to escort the soul of a departed Oba or a highly distinguished Lagosian into the afterlife, the festival symbolises peace, continuity and prosperity for the land. Over time, it evolved beyond funerary rites into a rare ceremonial honour reserved for individuals whose lives and legacies have profoundly shaped Lagos and Nigeria.

Oba Akintoye is historically recognised as the first major royal personality accorded full Eyo rites, firmly establishing the festival as a sacred institution of state, identity and continuity.

Eyo Festival 2025: Date, Venue and Honourees
The 2025 Eyo Festival will hold on Saturday, December 27, 2025, with activities centred at the Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) and strictly confined to Lagos Island.
The traditional procession begins from Isale Eko/Idumota and does not extend beyond Onikan and Obalende. The Eyo does not cross into Ikoyi or beyond.

This year’s festival honours eminent Lagos personalities whose legacies continue to define the state:
Sir Michael Agbolade Otedola, former Governor of Lagos State (posthumous honour)
Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji, revered Lagos matriarch, former Ìyál??jà of Nigeria and mother of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande, former Governor of Lagos State, celebrated for landmark achievements in education, housing and public service
Brigadier Mobolaji Johnson, first Military Governor of Lagos State, recognised for laying foundational administrative structures for modern Lagos

The Oba of Lagos, His Royal Majesty Oba Rilwanu Akiolu, described the festival as
“a celebration of Lagos’ living heritage, unity and cultural continuity,”
adding:
“The Eyo Festival is not deity worship. It is a cultural symbol of order, history and the collective identity of Lagosians.”
He further emphasised its inclusiveness:
“Eyo is for Muslims, Christians and traditional worshippers alike. It reflects the harmony and tolerance that define Lagos.”

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected as Special Guest of Honour, alongside Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, senior government officials, royal fathers, captains of industry and distinguished guests.

Governor Sanwo-Olu described the festival as
“a powerful cultural and economic driver that reinforces Lagos’ position as Africa’s cultural capital.”

The Sacred Order of the Eyos
At the heart of the festival are the Eyo masquerades, dressed in flowing white robes, wide-brimmed hats (Aga Akete) and carrying the symbolic staff known as the Opambata. Beneath the robe, Eyos wear the Aropale, tied at the waist, while the face is covered with a white veil perforated to allow vision.

There are five principal Orisha Eyos, regarded as the spiritual authorities of the procession. Eyo Adimu Orisha,Oniko, Eyo Ologede, Eyo Angere,Laba.
All other Eyos must stop and pay homage to them when encountered. Failure to do so may attract sanctions and cause friction among the masquerades.

Only the Adimu Orisha, the senior-most Eyo, is forbidden from revealing his face. Eyo is strictly men’s affairs concerning wearing of Eyo attire.

Iga Houses Entitled to Have Eyos
The right to have Eyo is vested in recognised Lagos Iga (Chieftaincy) Houses, including:
Akitoye, Ashogbon, Aromire, Ajagun, Arobadade, Akogun Olofin, Apena, Ajanaku, Asesi, Aiyeomosan, Alaagba, Asajon, Awise, Bajulaiye, Bajulu, Bashua, Egbe, Etti, Faji, Kosoko, Dosunmu (Ajiwe Forisha), Kakawa, Modile, Oluwa, Onilegbale, Onikoyi, Ojora, Olokun, Onimole, Opeluwa, Obanikoro, Oloto, Olumegbon, Erelu Kuti, Erelu Odibo, Eletu Ijebu, Eletu Iwashe, Oshodi Buku, Olorogun Agbaje, Olorogun Adodo, Onisemo, Ojon, Onisiwo, Balogun Okolo, Olorogun Ide Okoro, Saba, Onilado, Olusi, Onitana, Ogunmade, Oshodi Tapa, Suenu, Sasore, Salawe, Sasi, Sogunro, Taiwo Olowo, Onitolo, Oniru, Ogungbefoba, Elemoro, Eletu Omo and Sobaloju.
(Some houses are historical custodians and may not participate every year.)

Who Can Participate
Everyone—locals and tourists alike—may join the procession, provided all rules are obeyed.
However, wearing the full Eyo regalia is reserved for men ,Lagosians and culturally integrated individuals under recognised Iga houses.

Elite ceremonial participants—such as the President, Governor and special guests—may wear the Aga and carry the Opambata, without donning the full Eyo robe.
Transport, Security and Restrictions

The Lagos State Government will deploy over 100 BRT buses, on a paid service basis, to convey participants to and from TBS.
Vehicular movement will be restricted along designated Eyo routes.
Special Eyo Police (Ilárí) and festival marshals will maintain order.
Any misconduct or rights violation will attract swift action from security agencies.

Eyo Songs and Cultural Soundscape
Eyo chants animate the streets, preserved across generations and popularised by artistes such as Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (K1 De Ultimate) ,the late Sikiru Ayinde Barrister. Asa and Orishe Femi.
Common refrains include:
“Eyo ooooo…
Eyo Aiye ile…
Eyo ooooo…”

Do’s and Don’ts
DO
Obey all palace and Eyo instructions
Be prepared to trek long distances
Show respect when Eyos approach
Take photographs with non-Adimu Eyos only

DON’T
Wear shoes, slippers, caps or headgear
Smoke or wear shuku hairstyles
Photograph the Adimu Orisha
Block procession routes or engage in violence
Violations may attract instant discipline by Eyos, in addition to security sanctions.
Economic and Cultural Value

The Eyo Festival remains one of Nigeria’s strongest cultural economies, energising tourism, hospitality, food and drinks, fashion, caps (Aga Akete) and Opambata production.
Many participants spend between ?200,000 and ?400,000 on bespoke attire. The festival is a major pillar of Detty December, reinforcing Lagos’ standing as Africa’s cultural capital.

Finally

The Eyo Festival is not merely an event—it is Lagos walking, Lagos breathing, Lagos remembering itself. From honouring heroes past to energising today’s economy, it remains the living heritage and enduring spirit of Lagos.
Agógóró Eyo…
Mo yo fún ?,
Mo yó fún rá mi.