Lagos Island once again became the centre of culture and tradition as the Eyo Festival 2025 returned after an eight-year break. Known as one of Nigeria’s most iconic cultural celebrations, the festival attracted thousands of spectators, including locals, diaspora Nigerians, and international visitors, cementing its reputation as a global symbol of Yoruba heritage.
The highlight of the festival is the Eyo masquerade procession, a breathtaking display of Yoruba tradition. Hundreds of participants dressed in flowing white robes and veiled hats moved gracefully through Lagos Island, carrying long palm staffs (Opambata) that signify ancestral blessings and authority.
The streets around Marina, CMS, and Broad Street were closed to traffic, transforming the city into a massive cultural stage. Spectators lined the roads to witness the rhythmic drumming, traditional chants, and colourful spectacle that make the Eyo Festival unlike any other cultural event in Nigeria.
Honouring Lagos’ Legendary Figures
The 2025 festival paid tribute to four iconic Lagos personalities whose contributions shaped the state’s history:
- Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji, Iyaloja General and mother of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
- Brigadier-General Mobolaji Johnson, first Military Governor of Lagos
- Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande, first civilian Governor of Lagos
- Sir Michael Otedola, former Governor of Lagos State
Music and dance form the heart of the Eyo Festival. Traditional Yoruba drumming, chants, and songs fill the streets, blending ceremony with celebration. The performances are not only entertaining; they are spiritual, connecting the present generation with ancestors and keeping cultural heritage alive.
The Five Eyo Groups
The festival’s masquerades are organised into five principal groups, each identified by the colour of their hats:
- Adimu (Black) – Highest-ranking group
- Laba (Red) – Festival enforcers
- Oniko (Yellow) – Symbolising cleansing
- Ologede (Green) – Representing peace and prosperity
- Agere (Purple) – Known for theatrical flair
The 2025 edition saw President Bola Ahmed Tinubu participate in the procession, highlighting the festival’s national significance. Officials emphasised the Eyo Festival as a symbol of cultural pride, unity, and Lagos’ potential as a global cultural destination.