By: Manoah Kikekon
 |
| Bola Tinubu at Eyo Festival |
President Bola Tinubu has celebrated the iconic Eyo Festival as a profound symbol of Nigeria’s rich heritage and identity, using the occasion to pay tribute to his late mother, Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji, and other revered Lagos leaders.
The historic cultural spectacle, also known as Adamu Orisa Play, returned with full grandeur on Saturday at Tafawa Balewa Square on Lagos Island after an eight-year hiatus. This year’s procession honored the legacies of the President’s mother—the Iyaloja-General of Nigeria—alongside former Governor Lateef Jakande, Brigadier Mobolaji Johnson, and former Governor Michael Otedola.
A Resplendent Celebration of Heritage
In a speech printed in the event programme, President Tinubu described the festival as far more than a celebration. He emphasized its role in reflecting the core beliefs and traditions of Lagos and Nigeria.
“The glamour of white-robed figures parading the streets in celebration of distinguished Lagosians sends a resounding message about our identity as a people and as a country,” the President stated.
The festival features masquerades, known as Eyo, adorned in flowing white robes and hats, carrying ceremonial staffs called *Opambata*, as they process through major streets on Lagos Island. Traditionally held to commemorate the passing of traditional rulers or illustrious indigenes, the event underscored the nation’s cultural wealth.
Timing Highlights Tourism Potential
President Tinubu also noted that the festival’s timing during the popular ‘Detty December’ season spotlights Nigeria’s vast tourism potential. He pointed to Lagos’s growing appeal to Nigerians in the diaspora and international visitors.
“The vision and influence of the late leaders, as well as their diligence in public service, helped to nurture Lagos State to national and international prominence,” Tinubu remarked.
He extended congratulations to the Lagos State Government, traditional institutions, and Oba Rilwan Akiolu of Lagos. The President also praised Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat, and the state executive council for the honor accorded to the families of the distinguished honorees.
“I am especially grateful for the honour bestowed upon my late mother, Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji, the iyaloja-general of Nigeria and a highly revered women leader,” Tinubu expressed.
Governor Sanwo-Olu on Identity and Resilience
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, addressing the gathering, described the festival’s return as a powerful affirmation of Lagos’s enduring spirit.
“Today, we gather on this historic ground… wrapped in the timeless majesty of the Eyo Festival, the sacred Adimu Orisa. After an eight-year interval, this revered tradition returns in full splendour, standing as a powerful affirmation of our identity, our resilience and our unbroken connection to our history,” Governor Sanwo-Olu stated.