After eight years of absence, all is set for another epochal Eyo Festival, scheduled to hold at the Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), Lagos. The historic cultural event is being organised in honour of the late Sir Michael Otedola, former Governor of Lagos State.
The last Eyo Festival was held on May 20, 2017. The festival is a significant Yoruba cultural celebration traditionally staged on Lagos Island to honour departed kings, chiefs, and notable personalities.
In an official statement released on Friday by the Presidential Spokesman, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, President Bola Tinubu is expected to be the Guest of Honour at the festival during his yuletide visit to Lagos, as part of his numerous engagements in the city.
With the President’s attendance confirmed, a massive security presence is anticipated to further strengthen the safety architecture around the event and ensure a peaceful and enjoyable celebration.
Already, Lagos Island is aglow with festive activities. Streets and corners are adorned with colourful decorations, while Eyo masquerade effigies light up various locations, creating a captivating cultural atmosphere. The event is expected to further highlight the vibrancy and cultural richness of Lagos during the 2025 festive season.
Meanwhile, Oba of Lagos, Riliwanu Akiolu, has confirmed that the Eyo Festival will take place on Saturday, December 27, 2025.
The monarch assured residents and tourists of adequate security before, during, and after the festival. He also warned participating masquerades against any form of harassment or attack on spectators, fun seekers, or other participants.
“Such acts are criminal and will be penalised accordingly,” Akiolu warned.
According to him, the festival will be restricted to Lagos Island this year, with plans underway to deploy about 100 buses to convey people from different parts of the state to the venue at TBS.
Eyo Festival, also known as the Adamu Orisha Play, is a unique Yoruba cultural festival indigenous to Lagos, Nigeria. Though it has historical roots linked to Iperu-Remo in Ogun State, it is traditionally performed on Lagos Island and has evolved into a major tourist attraction.