Tinubu Joins Historic Return of Eyo Festival in Lagos After Eight-Year Break

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Saturday participated in the grand finale of the 2025 Eyo Festival in Lagos, marking the first staging of the historic cultural celebration in eight years and reinforcing the federal government’s commitment to preserving Nigeria’s cultural heritage.

Dressed in traditional white attire with a damask sash, a star-adorned hat and carrying the customary opambata staff, the President joined other revellers at Tafawa Balewa Square, the centrepiece of the colourful finale. Activities leading to the celebration had begun earlier in the week with the presentation of the festival staff to the President at his Lagos residence on December 21.

The Eyo Festival, which dates back to 1854, took on added significance this year as it honoured four eminent Lagos figures, an uncommon expansion from the usual one or three honourees. Those celebrated were the first military administrator of Lagos State, Mobolaji Johnson; the state’s first civilian governor, Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande; former governor Sir Michael Otedola; and a former Iyaloja of Lagos and mother of the President, Alhaja Abibat Mogaji.

In a message to the organisers, President Tinubu described the festival as “a great rekindling of our culture,” noting that it celebrates outstanding achievements and exemplary lives beyond Lagos alone. He said the honourees were leaders whose service and vision helped shape Lagos into a state of national and international relevance.

The President also drew attention to the festival’s alignment with the popular Detty December season, when Lagos receives large numbers of diaspora Nigerians and foreign visitors. He said the spectacle of the Eyo procession highlights the strong tourism potential embedded in Nigeria’s cultural traditions and encouraged participants to celebrate peacefully while ensuring public safety.

Welcoming guests, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu described the occasion as both historic and deeply symbolic, calling it a homecoming for the President. He said the return of the Eyo Festival after an eight-year interval affirmed Lagos’ enduring identity and resilience, while showcasing its rich Yoruba heritage.

Governor Sanwo-Olu commended the traditional institutions under the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, for their leadership in reviving the festival. He assured that his administration would continue to promote Lagos’ socio-economic growth while preserving its cultural roots, adding that the festival would be further leveraged to project the state on the global stage.

The celebration drew several dignitaries, including Imo State Governor and Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, Hope Uzodimma; Minister of State for Finance, Doris Uzoka; Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; members of the diplomatic corps; and senior federal and state officials.

The event featured traditional dances, indigenous music, cultural performances and a procession of Eyo groups, and concluded with special prayers offered for the President and the nation.