By Crystal Ugoeze
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Saturday participated in the grand finale of the 2025 Eyo Festival in Lagos, marking a historic return of the iconic cultural celebration after an eight-year hiatus.
Dressed in the traditional white attire of an Eyo reveller, with a damask sash across his shoulder and a distinctive star-emblazoned hat, the President joined thousands of celebrants at the Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS). Like other participants, he also carried the symbolic staff known as opambata, underscoring his full participation in the revered festival.
Activities for the week-long event had earlier commenced on Sunday, December 21, with the presentation of the festival staff to the President at his Lagos residence, in line with tradition.
Dating back to 1854, the Eyo Festival is one of Lagos’ most enduring cultural institutions. The 2025 edition was notable for honouring four distinguished Lagos personalities, a departure from the usual practice of celebrating one or three individuals. The honourees were the first military administrator of Lagos State, Mobolaji Johnson; the first civilian governor of the state, Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande; a former civilian governor, Sir Michael Otedola; and a former Iyaloja of Lagos and mother of the President, Alhaja Abibat Mogaji.
In a message to the organisers, President Tinubu described the festival as “a great rekindling of our culture,” noting that it reflects the richness of Lagos traditions and celebrates the exemplary lives and contributions of distinguished Nigerians.
“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.
He added that the honourees were worthy of recognition, describing them as leaders whose visionary leadership and dedication to public service helped position Lagos State on both national and international stages.
President Tinubu also highlighted the significance of the festival coinciding with the annual “Detty December” festivities, when Lagos attracts thousands of Nigerians in the diaspora and foreign visitors.
“Our culture and traditions hold great tourism potential. Our cultural assets can serve as valuable resources for destination promotion,” he said, adding that the spectacle of white-robed Eyo groups parading the streets sends a powerful message about Nigeria’s identity.
He urged revellers to celebrate peacefully and prioritise safety throughout the festivities.
In his welcome address, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu described the occasion as historic and symbolic of a homecoming for the President.
“What we’re celebrating here today is the first of its kind. As our son and our father, we are seated with the President and Commander-in-Chief to witness history in the cultural heritage of Lagos,” the governor said.
Governor Sanwo-Olu commended the traditional institutions under the leadership of the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, for their role in reviving the festival after years of suspension. He described the Eyo Festival as a living archive of Yoruba heritage and a symbol of unity, purity, and communal strength.
The governor assured that his administration would continue to pursue socio-economic development while preserving Lagos’ cultural roots, adding that the state would maximise the festival’s potential to project Lagos globally.
Dignitaries at the event included the Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma; Minister of State for Finance, Doris Uzoka; Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; members of the diplomatic corps; and senior federal and state government officials.
The colourful celebration featured traditional dances, indigenous music and chants, cultural performances, and a procession of Eyo groups, and concluded with special prayers for President Tinubu and the nation.