Eyo Festival Returns to Lagos
The famous Eyo Festival returns to Lagos, boosting tourism as residents and visitors witness the city’s most celebrated cultural spectacle.
Hundreds of Nigerians gathered in Lagos on Saturday for the return of the Eyo Festival, one of the country’s most prominent cultural celebrations.
The festival, also known as the Adamu Orisha Play, was held at Tafawa Balewa Square, marking its return after an eight-year hiatus.
Footage shows white-robed Eyo masquerades moving in grand processions through the streets on Lagos Island. Wearing wide-brimmed hats and carrying symbolic staffs known as ‘opambata,’ the figures danced as crowds followed, joined by drummers and musicians.
The parade follows a strict hierarchy, reflected in the colour of participants’ hats. Those in black, the most senior group, lead the spiritual rites. Participants wearing red are responsible for maintaining discipline, while those in yellow cleanse the streets of evil spirits. The group in purple represents the artistic element of the procession.
“Adamu Orisa plays a significant role in our heritage,” said a local, describing the festival as a marker of Lagos identity. “When people talk about a true Lagosian, this is one of the things they refer to, something you grow up with and relate to in promoting Lagos values,” he added.
The long gap since the previous festival added a sense of excitement to this year’s event.
“The energy is amazing. There’s a lot of people out here, you know, it’s like the most people I’ve seen. It’s everybody in the stands. It’s crazy, you know, and I’m just here and happy that I’m able to experience the culture, you know, and to experience something different. I know it’s been a long time. I think it’s about eight years since the last Eyo Festival,” said a tourist.
Dating back to 1854, the Eyo Festival traditionally honours the passing of prominent Lagos indigenes, including former rulers and public figures who played key roles in the state’s development.
This year’s edition honoured four figures: former military administrator Mobolaji Johnson, former civilian governor Lateef Jakande, former governor Michael Otedola and Abibatu Mogaji.
Beyond the parade, Tafawa Balewa Square was filled with food vendors and traders. The event also featured traditional dances, indigenous music and prayers for Nigeria and its president at its conclusion.
