President Tinubu attends the grand 2025 Lagos Eyo Festival, celebrating Yoruba heritage and reviving the iconic parade after an eight-year hiatus

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu joined thousands of Lagos residents, cultural enthusiasts, and dignitaries at the grand finale of the 2025 Eyo Festival, marking the revival of the iconic parade after an eight-year break.

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Held at Tafawa Balewa Square, the festival saw the President don the traditional white robe, damask sash, and distinctive hat of the Eyo masqueraders, carrying the ceremonial opambata staff following its presentation at his Lagos residence on December 21.

This year’s celebration honoured four distinguished Lagos figures: former military administrator Brigadier-General Mobolaji Johnson; former Governors Lateef Kayode Jakande and Sir Michael Otedola; and the late Alhaja Abibat Mogaji, former Iyaloja-General and mother of President Tinubu.

The decision to recognise four honourees marked a departure from the festival’s usual practice of acknowledging one or three individuals.

In a message to organisers, Tinubu described the festival as “a great rekindling of our culture,” emphasising its role in showcasing the richness of Lagos traditions and highlighting the achievements of notable Nigerians.

He noted the timing of the parade during the festive travel season, underlining its potential to boost tourism and promote Nigeria’s cultural heritage globally.

“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,” Tinubu stated.

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, described the event as a “homecoming” for the President and a pivotal moment in preserving Yoruba heritage.

He praised the traditional institutions under the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, for their leadership in reviving the festival.

“After an eight-year interval, this revered tradition returns to Lagos in full splendour, standing as a powerful affirmation of our identity, our resilience, and unbroken connection to our history,” Sanwo-Olu said.

Dignitaries at the event included Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, Minister of State for Finance Doris Uzoka-Anite, Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila, members of the diplomatic corps, and other federal and state officials.

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The festival, believed to have originated in 1854, featured processions by various Eyo groups, traditional music, dance performances, and concluded with prayers for Nigeria and President Tinubu, reinforcing the celebration’s significance as both a cultural and unifying national event.