In continuation of the preservation and promotion of the rich cultural heritage of Lagos State, the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture has entered into a strategic partnership with the Oloto of Otto and Mainland Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Alayeluwa Oba Bashir Abiola Odesanya Oloto, Olupejobi II, to host the 2025 edition of the historic Odun Agba Festival, which also falls in line with the Lagos Cultural Mission Agenda.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr. Idris Aregbe made this known in Alausa, Ikeja, on Monday.
According to Mr. Aregbe, the week-long festival is slated to commence on Monday, 28th July 2025, at the Oloto Palace and across designated historical sites within the Otto and Mainland Kingdom.
He noted that the Lagos State Government is committed to fostering meaningful collaborations that will rejuvenate Lagos’ cultural identity and stimulate the creative economy through tourism and heritage-based activities.
“The Odun Agba Festival is a revered cultural celebration with deep historical roots in the Mainland Kingdom, which had witnessed a period of suspension due to the prolonged absence of a reigning monarch.
“However, with the recent enthronement of His Royal Majesty, Oba Bashir Odesanya Oloto, the Kingdom is poised to restore and elevate the festival to its rightful prominence,” Aregbe stated.
The Special Adviser noted that the collaboration reinforces the resolve of the Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration to deepen the tourism value chain and position Lagos as the cultural capital of Africa through the promotion of indigenous festivals and traditions.
In a formal letter addressed to the Ministry, Oba Oloto expressed the Kingdom’s enthusiasm towards the partnership with the State Government.
He further disclosed that a dedicated Planning Committee has been constituted to oversee the festival, with Captain Omololu Majekodunmi, the Olowa of Otto and Mainland, serving as the Chairman.
The Monarch emphasised that the revival of the Odun Agba Festival marks not only a cultural renaissance but also a vital step in reinforcing the identity, unity, and spiritual values of the people of Otto and the Mainland Kingdom.
He praised the Lagos State Government for its visionary support and unwavering commitment to the cultural and tourism development of the state.
“The involvement of the state government in this endeavour will go a long way in preserving our heritage, enhancing community pride, and unlocking tourism potentials within our domain and beyond,” Oba Oloto affirmed.
The 2025 edition of the Odun Agba Festival is expected to feature traditional rites, royal processions, cultural exhibitions, indigenous music and dance performances, art and craft showcases, and educational forums, drawing participants from across Lagos and Nigeria at large.
