Lagos on Sunday stepped firmly into its cultural calendar as Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu received the Opambata, the ceremonial staff of the Eyo masquerade, formally signalling the commencement of activities for the 2025 Adamu Orisha Play.
The symbolic rite took place at the Lagos House, Marina, during a homage visit by families of eminent personalities to be honoured at this year’s Eyo Festival, one of the state’s most revered cultural celebrations.
Those to be honoured include the late Iyaloja-General, Chief Abibat Mogaji, mother of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu; the first Military Governor of Lagos State, Gen. Mobolaji Johnson; the state’s first civilian governor, Alhaja Lateef Jakande; and a former Third Republic governor, Sir Michael Otedola.
The ceremony, known as Ijade Opa Eyo, featured traditional chants, prayers and cultural performances that mark the spiritual and cultural build-up to the Eyo Festival. The procession was led by the Olori Eyo and Akinsiku of Lagos, Chief Adebola Dosunmu, alongside other traditional adherents, each carrying their Opambata.
Receiving the sacred staff, Sanwo-Olu said the rite officially opened the countdown to the Adamu Orisha Play, scheduled to hold on December 27. He offered prayers for peace and success throughout the festival period.
Describing the Eyo Festival as a powerful symbol of Lagos’ identity, the governor said culture remains the lifeblood of any society, warning that communities that neglect their heritage risk losing relevance.
He said the forthcoming Eyo outing would be a moment of pride for the state, adding that the festival would be colourful and joyous, while showcasing Lagos’ rich cultural heritage to both local and international audiences.
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Sanwo-Olu noted that beyond being Nigeria’s commercial and economic nerve centre, Lagos stands as a melting point of culture and tourism. He commended participants for the large turnout and explained that the traditional black-and-white attire worn during the ceremony symbolises unity, peace and progress.
The governor also expressed appreciation to the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, for championing the return of the Eyo Festival in 2025 after an eight-year break.
Earlier, the Olori Eyo, Chief Dosunmu, said the Ijade Opa Eyo forms part of a series of preparatory rites leading to the main festival, stressing that the procession confirms the certainty of the Eyo celebration.
He explained that the outing involves visits to family houses, traditional palaces, the Oba’s Palace, the governor’s residence and other significant locations, including a homage visit to the President’s residence.
Dosunmu also outlined key cultural rules guiding the festival, such as restrictions on footwear, caps and scarves, and a ban on photographing sacred Orishas, while allowing photographs of the Eyo masquerades.
He added that the Eyo tradition predates modern religions and remains an inherited cultural identity passed down through generations of Lagosians.
NAN
