The Eyo Festival 2025, popularly known as Adamu Orisa Play, has returned after an eight-year hiatus, paying tribute to four iconic personalities whose legacies have significantly shaped the history of Lagos State and Nigeria.
The cultural spectacle celebrates the beauty, glamour, and enduring traditions of Lagos’ indigenous African heritage, while honouring distinguished leaders for their contributions to governance, commerce, and social development.
The four personalities honoured at the festival are Brigadier General Mobolaji Johnson, the first Military Governor of Lagos State; Alhaji Lateef Jakande, former civilian Governor of Lagos State; Sir Michael Otedola, renowned industrialist and former Governor of Lagos State; and Chief Habibat Mogaji, the Iyaloja of Lagos and mother of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The Eyo 2025 Festival is a celebration of the rich cultural heritage of Lagos and Nigeria, and the theme “Preserving Heritage, Celebrating Identity” highlights the importance of honoring the past while embracing the future.
The festival featured colourful displays of traditional music, dance, arts, and crafts, highlighting the depth of Yoruba culture and the historical significance of Lagos.
Speaking at the event, the Governor of Lagos State described the festival as a strategic platform for promoting cultural tourism and projecting Lagos on the global stage.
The Governor said that the sacred Adamu Orisa play is a testament to the premium the state is paying to the presentation of the state’s rich culture to the rest of the world.
He emphasized that the revered tradition has returned in full splendor, standing as a powerful affirmation of their identity, resilience, and unbroken connection to history.
“Their legacies endure and their wisdom lives on. They are a living archive of Yoruba heritage and symbols of unity and stability in our society,” the Governor said.
The Governor described the Eyo tradition, as a great contribution to the ancestral realm, which is not just a bond of intimacy, but worth celebrating.
Spirit of Lagos
The festival reaffirmed Lagos’ unique identity as a city of rich history, resilience, and creativity. It brought together residents, tourists, and cultural enthusiasts to experience the warmth of Lagos hospitality, its diverse cuisine, and vibrant social life.
Honouring the Past, Celebrating Future
The Eyo Festival 2025 stands as a powerful celebration of Lagos’ past, present, and future. It honours the enduring influence of the four distinguished figures while showcasing Nigeria’s cultural wealth to the world.
The event began with colourful procession of the various Eyo culminating with the most prominent Eyo groups who are Adimu, Okolaba, Oniko, Ologede and Agere.
Dignitaries that graced the occasion include: the Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, Speaker ot the State House of Assembly, Hon Mudashiru Obasa and Minister of Investment, Industry, Jumoke Oduwole.
Others included, the former Governor of Ogun State, Olusegun Osoba, ex-Governor of Lagos, Babatunde Fashola, Oba of Lagos, HRM Rilwan Akiolu, Kessington Adebutu (Baba Ijebu), wife of late Alhaji Jakande, Abimbola, Women Leader of the All Progressives Congress, (APC), Jumoke Okoya-Thomas, Iyaloja General, Folashade Tinubu-Ojo among others.
As the festivities continue, visitors were treated to an immersive display of Nigerian traditions expressed through music, dance, and visual arts reinforcing the nation’s pride in its heritage and its welcoming spirit.