The Return of the Eyo Festival

The Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture is proud to announce the long-awaited return of the Adamu Orisha Play, popularly known as the Eyo Festival, taking place tomorrow, Saturday, December 27, 2025. For the first time in eight years, the streets of Isale Eko will be transformed into a majestic sea of white as we celebrate the rich heritage of Lagos and honor the legacies of our icons: Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji, Alhaji Lateef Jakande, Gen. Mobolaji Johnson, and Sir Michael Otedola. This historic cultural display is set to be the pinnacle of this year’s "Greater Lagos" festivities, inviting residents and tourists alike to witness the soul of our city.

​The grand procession and main festivities will be centered at the Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), beginning in the early hours of the morning and peaking at 12:00 PM. To ensure a seamless experience, we have coordinated with security and traffic agencies to manage the influx of thousands of Eyo masquerades and spectators. We invite everyone to the "Lagos Island Arena" to experience the rhythmic clashing of the Opambata (palm branch staffs) and the enchanting chants that have defined our cultural identity for centuries.

​In light of the massive scale of this event, a comprehensive Travel Advisory is now in effect. Major access points to Lagos Island, including the Adeniji Adele exit from the Third Mainland Bridge, CMS, and Outer Marina, will be closed to vehicular traffic starting at 6:00 AM. Motorists are strongly advised to utilize the Eko Bridge or Carter Bridge as alternative routes. Please follow all directions from LASTMA officials who will be stationed at key diversion points to minimize congestion.

​To maintain the sanctity of this sacred tradition, all attendees must strictly adhere to the Festival Etiquette. In the presence of the Eyo masquerades, it is forbidden to wear any form of footwear (shoes, sandals, or slippers), headwear (caps or head-ties), or to use umbrellas. Additionally, smoking is strictly prohibited, and women are traditionally requested not to wear the "Suku" hairstyle. Respecting these age-old customs is essential for a peaceful and celebratory atmosphere as the masquerades move through their ancestral routes.

The Ministry remains committed to positioning Lagos as the leading destination for cultural tourism in Africa through the preservation of such magnificent festivals. We encourage all participants to celebrate responsibly, capture the beauty of our heritage, and share the spirit of the Eyo with the world. Let us come together tomorrow to show that Lagos is not just a center of commerce, but a city deeply rooted in tradition and pride. Eyo o! Agogoro Eyo!