Governor Sanwo-Olu Welcomes Laba Eyo Alaketepupa

In a vibrant display of Lagosian heritage, the Laba Eyo Alaketepupa paid a traditional courtesy visit to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu at the Lagos House in Ikeja. The visit, held on Monday, December 22, 2025, serves as a formal homage to the state’s helmsman ahead of the highly anticipated Eyo Festival. The Governor received the delegation amidst a colorful atmosphere that celebrated the rich history of the "Center of Excellence."

The Laba Eyo, distinguished by its unique regalia and symbolic significance within the Eyo deity hierarchy, performed traditional rites to bless the Governor and the state. This visit is a customary requirement that signals the readiness of the group to participate in the upcoming festivities. It underscores the deep-rooted respect between the traditional institutions of Lagos and the modern state leadership.

​Governor Sanwo-Olu welcomed the group with enthusiasm, noting that the Eyo Festival is not just a local event but a global cultural landmark. He praised the custodians of the tradition for maintaining the sanctity and prestige of the festival over the centuries. The Governor highlighted that such cultural events are vital for tourism and for passing down the identity of the people to the younger generation.

​The meeting provided an opportunity for the Governor to reaffirm his administration’s support for cultural preservation and the arts. He noted that the Eyo Festival continues to put Lagos on the world map, attracting visitors from across the globe. Sanwo-Olu assured the delegation that the state would provide the necessary logistics and security to ensure a peaceful and spectacular festival.

​As the homage concluded, the atmosphere in Ikeja was filled with the rhythmic sounds and iconic chants associated with the Eyo masquerade. The visit has set a high tone for the festival, with residents and tourists alike looking forward to the grand procession. The Governor’s reception of the Laba Eyo Alaketepupa stands as a testament to the harmonious relationship between tradition and governance in Lagos.