Eyo Oniko Takes Center Stage Ahead of Adamu Orisa Play

The streets of Ikeja were filled with tradition and color on Tuesday as the Eyo Oniko procession made its way to the Lagos House. Representing Governor Sanwo-Olu, the State Head of Service, Mr. Bode Agoro, and senior officials received the performers as part of the ongoing "Ijade Opa" rites for the Adamu Orisa Eyo.

The event serves as a critical traditional precursor to the highly anticipated Adamu Orisa Play. This year’s grand festival is scheduled to take place this Saturday, December 27th, at the historic Tafawa Balewa Square, where thousands are expected to gather to witness one of the most iconic displays of Yoruba culture.

​Accompanying the Head of Service were the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Bopo Oyekan-Ismaila, and other members of the Body of Permanent Secretaries. Their presence underscored the state’s official recognition of the festival’s importance to the cultural identity of the "Isale Eko" people and the wider state.

​The Eyo Festival remains a powerful symbol of the enduring traditions and history of Lagosians. It is a period where the past meets the present, allowing the community to celebrate the spirits of their ancestors through the unique, white-clad masquerades that have become a global trademark of Lagosian heritage.

With the successful reception of the Eyo Oniko procession, all eyes are now turned toward Saturday's main event. Security and logistics are being finalized to ensure that the Adamu Orisa Play remains a safe, vibrant, and unforgettable experience for residents and tourists alike.