Tinubu Joins Thousands as Eyo Festival Returns to Lagos After Eight-Year Hiatus

• President Bola Tinubu on Saturday joined thousands of residents and visitors at the grand finale of the 2025 Eyo Festival in Lagos, marking the colourful return of the iconic cultural celebration after eight years.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Saturday joined thousands of Lagos residents, cultural enthusiasts, and tourists at the grand finale of the 2025 Eyo Festival, marking the return of the historic cultural parade after an eight-year hiatus.

The colourful event was held at Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), Lagos. According to a statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President appeared in the traditional white attire associated with the Eyo masquerades, complete with a damask sash, distinctive hat, and the customary opambata staff.

The opambata had earlier been presented to the President at his Lagos residence on December 21, ahead of the festival.

This year’s Eyo Festival broke with tradition by honouring four eminent Lagos figures instead of the usual one or three. The honourees were former military administrator of Lagos State, Brigadier-General Mobolaji Johnson; former governors Lateef Kayode Jakande and Sir Michael Otedola; and the late Alhaja Abibat Mogaji, former Iyaloja-General and mother of President Tinubu.

In a message to the organisers, President Tinubu described the festival as “a great rekindling of our culture,” noting that it highlights the richness of Lagos traditions and celebrates the outstanding contributions of distinguished Nigerians.

“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 timing of the festival, which coincides with the festive travel season and the popular “Detty December” period, underscores the tourism potential of Nigeria’s cultural heritage.

“It is a reminder that our culture and traditions hold great tourism potential. Our cultural assets can serve as valuable resources for destination promotion. The glamour of white-robed figures parading our streets sends a resounding message about our identity and our country,” he added.

President Tinubu also urged all revellers to celebrate peacefully and ensure the safety of participants throughout the festivities.

In his remarks, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, described the festival as a symbolic homecoming for the President and a historic moment in the preservation of Yoruba heritage.

“What we are celebrating today is history in the making. It is not a coincidence but a moment ordained to happen in your lifetime, Mr President,” Sanwo-Olu said, while commending the traditional institutions under the leadership of the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, for reviving the festival.

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The governor described the Eyo Festival as more than a cultural display, calling it “a living archive of Yoruba heritage” and a symbol of unity, purity, and communal strength in Lagos.

He assured that his administration would continue to pursue socio-economic development while preserving the state’s cultural identity and maximising the festival’s potential to project Lagos on the global stage.

Dignitaries at the event included Imo State Governor and Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, Hope Uzodimma; Minister of State for Finance, Doris Uzoka-Anite; Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; members of the diplomatic corps; and other federal and state officials.

Believed to date back to 1854, the Eyo Festival featured processions by various Eyo groups, traditional music and dance performances, and concluded with prayers for Nigeria and the President.