Lagos Celebrates Historic Eyo Festival After Eight-Year Hiatus

The heartbeat of Lagos resonated with the rhythmic clatter of Opambata staffs today, December 27, 2025, as the historic Eyo Festival, also known as the Adamu Orisha Play, made a grand return after an eight-year absence. The streets of Lagos Island were transformed into a sprawling "sea of white" as thousands of masquerades, clad in flowing white robes and iconic Aga hats, marched in a majestic procession. This year’s celebration holds double significance, marking the first time the festival has been staged during the peak December holiday season, drawing record crowds of residents, "Returnees," and international tourists to the city's traditional core.

The 2025 edition was staged as a profound tribute to four titans of Lagos history whose legacies have shaped the state’s modern identity. The festival honored the late Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji, the legendary Iyaloja-General and mother of President Bola Tinubu; Brigadier General Mobolaji Johnson, the first Military Governor of Lagos; Alhaji Lateef Jakande, the first civilian Governor; and Sir Michael Otedola, former Third Republic Governor. Speaking at the Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), the grand climax of the event, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu described the revival as a "powerful affirmation of our identity and resilience," noting that the festival bridges the gap between the state's storied past and its status as a global megacity.

​The atmosphere across the Island was a blend of spiritual reverence and festive jubilance. Five major Eyo groups the Adimu (identified by black hats), Laba (red), Oniko (yellow), Ologede (green), and Agere (purple) led their respective processions from various Iga (palaces) through the winding streets of Isale Eko. Spectators strictly adhered to centuries-old traditions, removing their shoes and headgear as a mark of respect for the passing masquerades. The chanting of "Mo yo fun e, mo yo fun ara mi" (I rejoice with you, and I rejoice for myself) echoed through the air, reinforcing the festival’s role as a symbol of communal unity and ancestral guidance.

​Beyond the cultural display, the festival provided a massive boost to the "Detty December" tourism calendar. To manage the unprecedented influx of visitors, the Lagos State Government implemented a comprehensive travel advisory, diverting traffic from the Third Mainland Bridge and Adeniji Adele Road. The newly commissioned Eyo Monument at the John Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History also served as a focal point for visitors, offering a modern educational backdrop to the ancient rites being performed in the streets.

Despite the heavy security presence and the festive mood, the day was not without incident. Viral videos surfaced on social media showing isolated skirmishes where some masquerades were seen using their staffs on individuals who allegedly breached traditional protocols. However, the Lagos State Government and the office of the Oba of Lagos, HRM Oba Rilwan Akiolu, maintained that the event was a resounding success. As the sun sets over the Lagos Lagoon, the 2025 Eyo Festival stands as a vibrant reminder that even in a city of glass skyscrapers and tech hubs, the ancient traditions of the indigenous Lagosians remain the bedrock of the "Center of Excellence.".