President Bola Tinubu and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Sunday featured prominently in the traditional Ijade Opa Eyo procession, a ceremonial event that signals the commencement of activities for the iconic Eyo Festival.
The colourful procession, which passed through historic parts of Lagos Island, including Marina and Ikoyi, formally heralded preparations for the Adamu Orisa Play scheduled to hold on Saturday, December 27.
The highlight of the ceremony at the Lagos House, Marina, was the presentation of the sacred Opambata—the staff of authority—to Governor Sanwo-Olu by the Akinsiku of Lagos and Olori Eyo, Chief Adebola Dosunmu.
Receiving the staff, Sanwo-Olu described the Eyo Festival as a powerful showcase of Lagos’ rich cultural heritage and tourism potential. He said the festival offers an opportunity to project Lagos beyond its status as Nigeria’s commercial hub, emphasising its role as a melting point of culture and tradition.
In a post on his official Facebook page, Governor Sanwo-Olu highlighted the significance of the festival, saying it presents Lagos beyond its reputation as Nigeria’s economic and commercial hub. “It reminds the world that our city is also deeply rooted in history, culture, and tourism,” he said. “Culture grounds us as a people. It is what we preserve, what we pass on, and what keeps us relevant.”
The Governor noted that this year’s festival will honour prominent figures who have shaped Lagos and Nigeria, including the late Chief Abibat Mogaji, Iyaloja-General and mother of President Bola Tinubu; Mobolaji Johnson, Lagos’ first military governor; Alhaji Lateef Jakande, the state’s first civilian governor; and Sir Michael Otedola, former governor during the Third Republic. “Their contributions and legacies deserve lasting respect,” he added.
Governor Sanwo-Olu expressed gratitude to His Majesty, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, for his leadership in championing the return of the Eyo Festival after an eight-year hiatus. He also thanked members of the public for their support of Lagos’ cultural heritage, emphasizing that the festival reflects the strength and dignity of the state’s traditions.
Earlier, the procession paid a homage visit to President Tinubu at his Ikoyi residence, where he received the delegation alongside the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and Governor Sanwo-Olu.
Explaining the significance of the Ijade Opa Eyo, Chief Dosunmu said the rite involves visits to family houses, traditional palaces and notable locations to affirm the certainty of the main festival.
He also outlined key cultural guidelines for participants, including restrictions on footwear and a ban on photographing the sacred Orishas.
This year’s Eyo Festival is dedicated to the memory of four eminent Lagos indigenes: the late Iyaloja-General, Chief Abibat Mogaji; former military Governor of Lagos State, Brigadier-General Mobolaji Johnson; the state’s first civilian Governor, Alhaji Lateef Jakande; and a former Third Republic Governor, Sir Michael Otedola.
The event was attended by the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr Obafemi Hamzat; the First Lady of the state, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu; members of the state executive council; and the White Cap Chiefs.
Looking ahead to Saturday, December 27, the Governor said he is confident it will be a proud moment for Lagos, welcoming friends from across Nigeria and around the world, and reaffirming the city as a centre of excellence in commerce and a true home of culture and tradition.
