Lagos Monarch Announces Eyo Festival Date, A Grand Homage to Lagos Icons

The cultural calendar of Lagos has been officially set, with His Royal Majesty, Oba Rilwan Babatunde Akiolu, the Oba of Lagos, announcing that the historic Eyo Festival will be held on Saturday, December 27, 2025. The announcement, made at the Iga Idunganran palace, signals the preparation for one of West Africa's most significant cultural displays. This year's festival is poised to be particularly memorable, as it will be staged to honour the enduring legacies of three distinguished Lagosians: the late Chief Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji, the late former Governor Alhaji Lateef Jakande, and the late former Governor Sir Michael Otedola.

The Eyo Festival, formally known as the Adamu Orisha Play, is not merely a street parade but a profound traditional and spiritual event unique to the indigenous people of Lagos, often referred to as 'Isale Eko.' Historically, the Eyo, or masquerades, emerge to escort the soul of a departed King or highly regarded Chief and to usher in a new era of leadership. They are cloaked from head to toe in magnificent white robes, representing ancestral spirits, and carry the ceremonial staff known as the Opambata. The very essence of the festival is a deep connection to the city's spiritual roots and an affirmation of its rich cultural identity.

​Oba Akiolu emphasized that the 2025 edition serves as a fitting tribute to three individuals whose contributions have been instrumental to the progress and development of Lagos State. Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji, the influential matriarch and mother of the President, is being honoured for her significant role in market leadership and community mobilization. Similarly, the late former governors, Alhaji Lateef Jakande and Sir Michael Otedola, are celebrated posthumously for their transformative policies and dedication to infrastructural and educational development that shaped the modern Lagos.

​The spectacle of the Eyo Festival transforms the central parts of Lagos into a vibrant pedestrian zone. Different Eyo groups, representing various ruling houses (Iga), emerge in a dazzling procession. Each group is distinguished by the color and emblem of the hat, or Akete, worn by its Eyo, creating a colorful contrast against the white flowing robes. The air is filled with rhythmic drumming, chants, and traditional dances, turning the city's main thoroughfares into a theatre of cultural heritage. It is a rare spectacle that draws spectators, families, and culture enthusiasts from around the world.

While rooted in ancient customs, the Eyo Festival has evolved to become a major showcase of Nigerian intangible cultural heritage and a significant tourist attraction. Its infrequent staging adds to its mystical appeal, occurring only when dictated by tradition or a special, highly significant occasion. This year's event, by honouring three prominent figures, bridges the gap between past traditions and contemporary civic recognition, reinforcing the vital link between Lagos's history and its future. The monarch urged both citizens and visitors to participate peacefully and respectfully, embracing the sanctity and cultural importance of the celebration.