President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Saturday, graced the Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), Lagos, as he joined residents, traditional leaders, and visitors for the grand finale of the 2025 Eyo Festival.
The president’s presence added prominence to the historic cultural celebration, which was held for the first time in eight years, following its last staging in 2017.
The event attracted large crowds of Lagos residents, tourists, members of the diaspora, and cultural enthusiasts, turning the iconic square into a hub of traditional pageantry and celebration.
In line with long-standing tradition, President Tinubu was dressed in an all-white ceremonial outfit, symbolic of the Eyo Festival. He complemented his attire with a black Akete cap adorned with white stripes and star motifs, while a black-and-white fabric sash was draped over his shoulder.
Like other participants, the president also carried the opambata, the sacred staff traditionally borne by Eyo masquerades. The opambata holds deep cultural meaning in the Eyo Festival, representing authority, blessings, peace, and protection.
It is also regarded as a symbol marking the commencement and legitimacy of the festival, which occupies a central place in Lagos’ cultural history.
President Tinubu was warmly welcomed on arrival by Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, alongside other government officials, traditional rulers, and festival organisers.
The Eyo Festival, which dates back to 1854, is one of the most significant traditional events in Lagos. It is known for its distinctive white-robed masquerades, rhythmic chants, and coordinated dances that reflect the spiritual, social, and historical identity of the Yoruba people, particularly those of Lagos Island.
Festivities at the Tafawa Balewa Square featured elaborate processions of Eyo masquerades, drawing cheers from spectators as the symbolic figures moved through the grounds in unison. The celebration emphasised themes of peace, unity, and respect for tradition — values that the festival has upheld for generations.
In a message conveyed to organisers through his spokesperson, President Tinubu described the Eyo Festival as an essential expression of Lagos’ cultural heritage and a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving indigenous traditions.
He noted that the festival serves not only as a cultural event but also as a platform for honouring distinguished individuals who have contributed to society, particularly Lagosians, who have played notable roles in public service, business, and community development.
The president also highlighted the festival’s growing relevance as a tourism asset, especially as it coincides with the popular ‘Detty December’ period, when Lagos experiences an influx of visitors from within Nigeria and abroad.
According to Tinubu, the spectacle of white-robed masquerades parading through the streets sends a strong message about Nigeria’s cultural identity and the country’s potential to leverage its traditions for global tourism promotion.
He encouraged participants and spectators to celebrate peacefully and ensure the safety of all attendees, stressing the need to uphold the values of harmony and respect that the festival represents.
