By: Manoah Kikekon
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| Ayanrinno Daniel Nupo and Ẹyọ |
LAGOS, NIGERIA – As the rhythmic sounds of the Aropile echoed through the streets of Lagos Island, the 2025 Adamu Orisa Play (Ẹyọ Festival) served as more than just a vibrant display of culture. Amidst the sea of white robes and iconic hats, a prominent voice emerged to demand a new era of discipline and legal protection for the state’s most sacred traditions.
Speaking on December 27, 2025, Ayanrinno Daniel Nupo, a proud "son of the soil," issued a passionate plea for the preservation of Lagosian identity. His message was clear: cultural heritage must be guarded against the modern threats of "clout-chasing" and unauthorized representation.
Culture Over "Clout": Protecting the Sacred
In a press statement made available to journalists, Nupo emphasized that the Ẹyọ Festival is a centuries-old legacy that defines the soul of Lagos. He warned that the increasing trend of using sacred attire for social media relevance or entertainment without proper authority is diluting the festival's spiritual essence.
"Our heritage is not a costume for trends, entertainment, or clout," Nupo stated. "When anyone can freely put on Ẹyọ attire without understanding its significance, the essence of the tradition is gradually diminished. Culture without order risks losing its meaning."
A Call for Legislative Action
While the festival honored the memories of legendary figures such as Lateef Jakande, Mobolaji Johnson, and Abibatu Mogaji, Nupo looked toward the future of the state's legal framework.
He formally called upon the Lagos State House of Assembly to enact a Cultural Preservation Bill. This proposed legislation would: Protect indigenous practices from misuse and unauthorized representation. Establish strict guidelines on who can don traditional regalia. Ensure accountability for those who use sacred symbols as a shield for misconduct or disorder.
The "Zangbeto" Standard: A Lesson from Badagry
Drawing a parallel to his roots in Badagry, Nupo highlighted the discipline surrounding the Zangbeto heritage. He noted that in Badagry, the "Guardians of the Night" are held in such high reverence that no individual would dare misrepresent the culture without being a true "son of the soil" with legitimate authority.
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| Zangbeto |
"This level of respect and discipline is what sustains heritage across generations," he explained, urging Lagos Island to adopt a similar uncompromising stance.
A Unified Vision for Lagos
The 2025 festival, attended by dignitaries including His Royal Majesty, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, served as a reminder of the unity culture can provide. Nupo’s call to action seeks to ensure that this unity remains rooted in respect.
"Mo yọ fún ẹ, mo yọ fún ara mi," Nupo concluded, using the traditional greeting of joy. "Let us collectively preserve what belongs to us, so our history remains intact for those yet unborn."