President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Sunday took part in the traditional Ijade Opa Eyo procession, officially heralding activities for the iconic Eyo Festival in Lagos.
The colourful procession moved through historic areas of Lagos Island, including Marina and Ikoyi, marking the formal commencement of events leading up to the Adamu Orisa Play, scheduled for Saturday, December 27.
A major highlight of the ceremony took place at the Lagos House, Marina, where the Akinsiku of Lagos, Chief Adebola Dosunmu, presented the sacred Opambata, known as the staff of authority, to Governor Sanwo-Olu. The ritual symbolises the governor’s formal recognition as the host of the festival.
Receiving the staff, Sanwo-Olu described the Eyo Festival as a powerful expression of Lagos’ rich heritage and its growing appeal as a cultural and tourism hub.
He said the festival demonstrates that Lagos is not only Nigeria’s commercial and economic nerve centre, but also a melting point of culture and tourism, adding that societies without strong cultural values risk losing their identity.
Earlier, the Ijade Opa Eyo procession paid a homage visit to President Tinubu at his Ikoyi residence, where he was joined by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and Governor Sanwo-Olu.
Explaining the significance of the rite, the Olori Eyo, Chief Dosunmu, said the Ijade Opa Eyo involves visits to family houses, traditional palaces and key locations across Lagos Island to confirm the certainty of the main festival. He also outlined important cultural guidelines, including restrictions on footwear and a ban on photographing the sacred Orishas.
This year’s Eyo Festival is dedicated to honouring four prominent Lagos indigenes: the late Iyaloja-General, Chief Abibat Mogaji; former military Governor of Lagos, Brigadier-General Mobolaji Johnson; former civilian Governor, Alhaji Lateef Jakande; and Third Republic Governor, Sir Michael Otedola.
The event was attended by Deputy Governor Dr Obafemi Hamzat, Lagos First Lady Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, members of the state cabinet, and White Cap Chiefs.
