By Our Reporter
Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has formally received the Opambata, the ceremonial staff of the Eyo masquerade, marking the commencement of activities for the Adamu Orisa Play 2025 in the state.
Governor Sanwo-Olu received the sacred staff at the Lagos House, Marina on Sunday, during a homage visit by families of personalities to be honoured at this year’s Eyo Festival.
Those to be honoured posthumously include the first Military Governor of Lagos State, General Mobolaji Johnson; the first civilian governor of the state, Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande; a former Third Republic Governor, Sir Michael Otedola and the late Iyaloja-General, Chief Abibat Mogaji, mother of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The ceremony, tagged Ijade Opa Eyo, featured traditional songs, prayers and cultural performances associated with the Adimu Orisa Festival.
The procession was led by the Olori Eyo and Akinsiku of Lagos, Chief Adebola Dosunmu, alongside other traditional adherents carrying their Opambata.
Speaking at the event, Sanwo-Olu said the ceremony officially signalled the start of activities ahead of the Adamu Orisa Play, scheduled to hold on Saturday, December 27, 2025 and prayed for a peaceful and successful celebration of the festival.
Describing the Eyo Festival as a powerful expression of identity and continuity, Governor Sanwo-Olu said the event reflected Lagos’ rich cultural heritage and warned that societies without culture risk losing relevance.
"The Eyo Festival holding on Saturday will be a day of joy and pride for Lagos. It will be colourful and joyous, showcasing the depth of our rich cultural heritage to both local and international audiences,” the governor said.
Speaking further, Governor Sanwo-Olu reiterated that Lagos is not only Nigeria’s commercial and economic hub but also a melting point of culture and tourism.
He commended participants for their large turnout, noting that the symbolic black-and-white attire worn at the ceremony represented unity, peace and progress.
The governor thanked the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, for championing the 2025 Eyo Festival, which returns after an eight-year hiatus.
Earlier, the Olori Eyo, Chief Dosunmu, explained that the Ijade Opa Eyo is part of a series of preparatory rites leading to the main festival, saying that the procession formally confirmed the certainty of the forthcoming Eyo celebration.
According to him, the outing includes visits to family houses, traditional palaces, the Oba’s Palace, the governor’s residence and other significant locations as well as a homage visit to the President’s residence.
Dosunmu also outlined key cultural rules guiding the festival, including restrictions on footwear, caps and scarves, and a prohibition on photographing sacred Orishas, while allowing pictures of the Eyo masquerades.
He emphasised that culture predates modern religions and remains an inherited identity passed down through generations.
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