PRESIDENT TINUBU JOINS HISTORIC EYO FESTIVAL IN LAGOS

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Saturday attended the grand finale of the 2025 Eyo Festival at Tafawa Balewa Square in Lagos, clad in traditional white robe, a damask sash, a distinctive hat, and carrying the opambata staff. In a statement, the Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the event marked the festival’s first holding in eight years.

The carnival, dating back to 1854, honoured four distinguished Lagos personalities: the first military administrator of Lagos State, Mobolaji Johnson; the first civilian governor, Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande; a former civilian governor, Sir Michael Otedola; and a former Iyaloja and mother of the current President, Alhaja Abibat Mogaji. This was a departure from the tradition of honouring one or three individuals.

In a message to the organisers, President Tinubu described the carnival as “a great rekindling of our culture.” He stated, “The Eyo Festival is a vibrant expression of the rich traditions of Lagos. It celebrates the achievements, outstanding contributions, and exemplary lives of distinguished Nigerians—not only eminent Lagosians.” He added that all the honorees were leaders and builders whose work helped nurture Lagos to prominence.

The President also noted the festival’s coincidence with the Detty December period, stating, “It is a reminder that our culture and traditions hold great tourism potential. Indeed, our cultural assets can serve as valuable resources for destination promotion.”

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, in a welcome address, described the event as a historic homecoming for the President. “What we’re celebrating here today is the first of its kind. As our son, our father, we are seated with the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to witness a history of the cultural heritage of Lagos,” he said. Governor Sanwo-Olu commended the traditional institutions under the Oba of Lagos for reviving the festival and assured that his administration would maximise its potential to project Lagos globally.

Dignitaries in attendance included the Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma; Minister of State for Finance, Doris Uzoka; Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; members of the diplomatic corps; and senior government officials.

The event featured cultural performances and a procession of Eyo groups, concluding with special prayers for the President and the country. Onanuga confirmed the festival began with a presentation of the festival staff to the President at his Lagos residence on December 21.