.says move good for cultural heritage, socio-economic growth of Lagos
By Our Reporter
The Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, has commended the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu I, for restoring the historic Eyo Festival to Lagos, saying that the return of the festival, which was last held in 2017, would further help in preserving Lagos' cultural heritage and contribute to the socio-economic growth of the state.
Besides, the Yoruba generalissimo further said that the move indicated Oba Akiolu's readiness to preserve a unique part of the culture and tradition of Lagos State and its people.
The monarch recently announced, during a press conference at his palace, that the Eyo Festival would be hosted at the Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos on Saturday, December 27, 2025, marking its first celebration since 2017.
Akiolu said preparations were in top gear to host several participants during the 2025 edition of the cultural event, adding that the festival will posthumously honour the late Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji, the mother of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and two former governors of the state, the late Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande and Sir Michael Otedola.
He explained that all the late honorees were pillars of Lagos history and respected for their contributions to governance, civil leadership, and community development.
According to the monarch, Alhaja Mogaji is being remembered for her influential role in Lagos’ market leadership structure, while Jakande and Otedola are celebrated for policies and programmes that shaped the city’s progress over the years.
Reflecting on the return of the festival eight years after it was last held, Iba Adams, in a statement, copy of which was made available to newsmen on Saturday, noted that the Eyo Festival is a unique cultural heritage and symbol of Lagos’ rich history and tradition, saying that it holds immense significance in promoting unity, cultural identity, and tourism within the Lagos State.
Adams said that over the years, the Eyo Festival had had positive impact on community engagement, cultural education, and economic activities, particularly in the tourism and hospitality sectors, noting that its return marks a revitalisation of Lagos’ cultural landscape and reinforces the city’s position as a custodian of Nigerian heritage.
"The return of this festival under the stewardship of Oba Akiolu marks a revitalisation of Lagos’ cultural landscape and reinforces the city’s position as a custodian of Nigerian heritage.
"Oba Akiolu’s dedication to preserving and promoting indigenous culture will not only protect, preserve, and promote our culture, it will also enhance our dignity as Yoruba people," he stated.
The Yoruba generalissimo said that the revival of the festival is also a testament to the importance of leadership in fostering societal development.
However, Adams urged Oba Akiolu to ensure that the festival returned as a more regular event to the state's cultural event calendar again, even as he stressed that the state had many sons and daughters, who were accomplished in their respective fields of endeavour, and merited the honour usually done by the Oba with the Eyo Festival.
Adams also called on the Lagos State Government to continuously support the regular hosting of the festival as a constant part of the state's culture calendar.
He equally called on all Lagosians and visitors to actively participate in the Eyo Festival celebrations, thereby supporting the preservation of the state's cultural heritage.
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