The Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Babatunde Akiolu, has announced that the Eyo Festival will be held on Saturday, December 27, 2025, in honour of the late Chief Abibatu Mogaji, mother of President Bola Tinubu, as well as the late Lateef Jakande and Sir Michael Otedola.
Oba Akiolu made the announcement during a media briefing at the palace in Iga Idunganran, Lagos Island, attended by the White Cap Chiefs. He assured residents and tourists of adequate security before, during, and after the festival, while warning participating masquerades against harassing spectators, fun seekers, or other participants.
“Eyo is not an avenue to make money for any chief. It is our sacred heritage and must be treated with dignity, not an avenue for personal profit,” the monarch said.
This year’s festival will be held at Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) and restricted to Lagos Island, with 100 buses planned to transport participants from across the state to the venue.
The Eyo Festival, also known as the Adamu Orisha Play, is a traditional Yoruba festival held on Lagos Island. It celebrates the city’s ancestral heritage and is used to guide the souls of departed kings and chiefs to the afterlife.
Eyo masquerades: Participants, known as Eyo, dress in white robes, veils, and color-coded hats (Aga cap), carrying long staffs (Opambata).
The procession: Eyo groups emerge from the palaces (Iga) of ruling families and proceed to the shrine (Agodo), accompanied by singing, drumming, and dancing.
Today, the festival also serves as a major tourist attraction and is sometimes organized for special state functions, while maintaining its cultural and spiritual significance.
As part of the activities running up to the main event, Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, hosted representatives of the families of Jakande, Johnsons, Mogaji, and Otedola.
The event took place at the State House Marina, Lagos, amid colourful display of Eyo masquerades and other performers.
Speaking at the event, the Governor said the 2025 Eyo Festival will showcase the deepness of Lagos cultural heritage, explaining that it is a ceremony that holds together the local and international friends and audience of Lagos.
He said: “We know that there is a rich tradition and culture in Lagos, because they say that a people without a culture will go into extinction. If you don’t have a culture you are not relevant. What are you living for? What are you passing on?
“So, it will be a cultural event that we will use to demonstrate to all of our visitors and friends that Lagos is not only the centre of excellence, or the commercial nerve centre of the country; it is also the melting point of culture and tourism.
“So, I want to formally acknowledge and thank all of you for coming out in large number this afternoon to demonstrate your support,” the Governor said.
The iconic Eyo Festival is staging its comeback after eight years of absence. It is scheduled to hold at the Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), Lagos on December 27, 2025.
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