Sanwo-Olu Receives Opambata As Activities for Eyo Festival Kick Off

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• It provides platform to showcase Lagos’ culture, tourism, says Governor

The Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Sunday said the Eyo festival provides a platform to showcase Lagos not only as Nigeria’s economic and commercial hub but also as a beacon of culture and tourism, worthy of local and international attention.

Governor Sanwo-Olu spoke during the Ijade Opa Eyo procession at Lagos House, Marina, when the Olori Eyo, White Cap chiefs, traditional leaders and participants paid homage to Governor SanwoOlu and representatives of important personalities to be honoured with this year’s Eyo festival scheduled for Saturday, December 27.

Those to be honoured with this year’s Eyo festival are the late Iyaloja-General, Chief Abibat Mogaji, mother of President Bola Tinubu; the first military Governor of Lagos, Mobolaji Johnson; the first civilian Governor, Alhaja Lateef Jakande; and the Third Republic Governor, Sir Michael Otedola.

Ahead of the Eyo festival, Lagos Island came alive on Sunday with the traditional Ijade Opa Eyo procession, which moved through key historic locations, reaffirming the city’s commitment to preserving its cultural heritage.

The ritual procession, marked by the ceremonial bearing of the Opambata, symbolised guidance, protection and the transmission of tradition from one generation to another, as Lagos reflected on its foundations and advanced with dignity.

Speaking during the event, tagged “Ijade Opa Eyo”, which featured the Adimu Orisa festival’s songs, performances, and prayers with ceremonial processions led by Olori Eyo and Akinsiku of Lagos, Chief Adebola Dosumu, and adherents with their Opa Mbata, Governor Sanwo-Olu said the gathering marked the commencement of the Eyo festival.

Governor Sanwo-Olu, who described the Eyo festival as a powerful expression of identity and continuity, said the ceremony underscores Lagos’ rich cultural depth, noting that a people without culture risk losing relevance.

The Governor commended participants for their turnout and highlighted the symbolic black-and-white attire as a strong representation of unity and progress.