Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has formally received the Opambata, the ceremonial staff of the Eyo masquerade, signalling the official commencement of activities for the Adamu Orisa Play (Eyo Festival) 2025 in Lagos.
The governor received the sacred staff on Sunday at the Lagos House, Marina, during a homage visit by families of distinguished personalities to be honoured at this year’s Eyo Festival.
Those to be honoured include the late Iyaloja-General of Lagos, Chief Abibat Mogaji, mother of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu; the first Military Governor of Lagos State, General Mobolaji Johnson; the state’s first civilian governor, Alhaja Lateef Jakande; and a former Third Republic governor, Sir Michael Otedola.
The ceremony, known as Ijade Opa Eyo, featured traditional songs, prayers and cultural performances associated with the Adimu Orisa festival. The procession was led by the Olori Eyo and Akinsiku of Lagos, Chief Adebola Dosunmu, alongside other traditional adherents, all bearing their Opambata.
Speaking at the event, Governor Sanwo-Olu said the ceremony officially marked the beginning of activities ahead of the Adamu Orisa Play, scheduled to hold on Saturday, December 27, 2025.
He prayed for a peaceful and successful celebration. Describing the Eyo Festival as a powerful expression of identity, continuity and heritage, the governor said culture remains the soul of any society, warning that communities that neglect their traditions risk losing relevance.
“The Eyo Festival held on Saturday will be a day of joy and pride for Lagos. It will be colourful and celebratory, showcasing the depth of our rich cultural heritage to both local and international audiences,” Sanwo-Olu said.
He added that Lagos is not only Nigeria’s commercial and economic hub but also a major centre for culture and tourism. Commending participants for the large turnout, the governor noted that the symbolic black-and-white attire worn during the ceremony represented unity, peace and progress.
Sanwo-Olu also thanked the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, for championing the return of the Eyo Festival in 2025, noting that the cultural celebration is coming back after an eight-year hiatus.
Earlier, the Olori Eyo, Chief Adebola Dosunmu, explained that Ijade Opa Eyo is one of the key preparatory rites leading to the main festival. According to him, the procession formally confirms the certainty of the forthcoming Eyo celebration.
He said the outing involves visits to family houses, traditional palaces, the Oba’s Palace, the governor’s residence and other significant locations, including a homage visit to the President’s residence.
Dosunmu also outlined important cultural rules guiding the festival, including restrictions on footwear, caps and scarves, as well as a prohibition on photographing sacred Orishas, while allowing pictures of the Eyo masquerades.
He stressed that culture predates modern religions and remains an inherited identity passed down through generations.
The homage ceremony was attended by the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, members of the state executive council, traditional leaders and cultural adherents, as Lagos prepares for the full celebration of the iconic Eyo Festival later this month.
