President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Saturday joined thousands of revellers at the Grand Finale of the 2025 Eyo Festival in Lagos, marking the return of the historic cultural celebration after an eight-year hiatus.
Dressed in a flowing white robe with a damask sash across his shoulder and a distinctive star-studded hat, the President blended with other participants as he carried the traditional opambata staff, drawing cheers from spectators at the Tafawa Balewa Square.
The week-long festival, which began with the presentation of the ceremonial staff to the President at his Lagos residence on December 21, traces its roots to 1854 and remains one of the most revered symbols of Lagos’ cultural identity.
This year’s edition broke with tradition by honouring four prominent Lagos figures instead of the usual one or three. Those celebrated were the first military administrator of Lagos State, Mobolaji Johnson; the state’s first civilian governor, Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande; former 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 Eyo Festival as “a great rekindling of our culture,” noting that it reflects the enduring traditions and values of Lagos.
“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 deserved recognition for their roles in shaping the state, describing them as “leaders and builders whose visionary leadership, influence and diligence in public service helped nurture Lagos State to both national and international prominence.”
President Tinubu also highlighted the economic and tourism value of the festival, especially as it coincides with the popular Detty December season, when Lagos hosts thousands of Nigerians in the diaspora and foreign visitors.
“Our culture and traditions hold great tourism potential. The glamour of white-robed figures parading our streets in celebration of distinguished Lagosians sends a strong message about who we are as a people and as a country,” he said, urging participants to celebrate peacefully and ensure safety.
Welcoming guests, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu described the occasion as both historic and symbolic, calling it a homecoming for the President.
“What we are celebrating 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 a defining moment in the cultural history of Lagos,” Sanwo-Olu said.
According to him, the President’s presence at the festival was not by chance. “It is history in your lifetime that is being made today. We honour you and thank God for your life as we celebrate the best of Lagos’ cultural heritage,” he added.
The governor praised the traditional institutions under the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, for their leadership in reviving the festival after several years.
“After an eight-year interval, this sacred tradition returns in full splendour, affirming our identity, resilience and unbroken connection to our history,” Sanwo-Olu said, describing the Eyo Festival as “a living archive of our Yoruba heritage and a symbol of unity and communal strength.”
He assured that his administration would continue to pursue socio-economic development while preserving Lagos’ cultural roots, adding that the state would harness the festival to project Lagos on the global stage.
The event featured colourful cultural performances, traditional dances, indigenous music and chants, as well as a procession of various Eyo groups. It ended with special prayers offered for President Tinubu and the nation.
Dignitaries at the celebration included the Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum and Imo State Governor, 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 Lagos State government officials.
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