Tinubu, Uzodinma, others attend 2025 Eyo Festival in Lagos
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday joined the Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) and Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodinma, alongside other prominent Nigerians and members of the diplomatic corps at the 2025 Eyo Festival in Lagos.
The cultural event, popularly known as the Adamu Orisa Play, took place at the Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), Lagos Island, drawing a large crowd of cultural enthusiasts and dignitaries.
Addressing attendees, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, described the Eyo Festival as a sacred tradition performed after an eight-year interval, noting that its return marked a powerful affirmation of Lagos’ identity, resilience and enduring connection to its history.
Governor Sanwo-Olu expressed appreciation to the custodians of the tradition for preserving the revered cultural heritage.
He said their leadership had ensured that the sacred rites once again united the people in shared memory, reverence and pride.
According to the governor, the 2025 Eyo Festival was of special significance as it honoured four eminent personalities who made lasting contributions to the culture of Lagos and Nigeria.
They include the late Alhaja Abibat Mogaji, former Iyaloja of Lagos and mother of President Tinubu; the first civilian Governor of Lagos State, late Alhaji Lateef Jakande; former Governor of Lagos State, late Sir Michael Otedola; and the first Military Administrator of Lagos State, late Brigadier-General Mobolaji Johnson.
Sanwo-Olu described Alhaja Abibat Mogaji as an enduring symbol of strength and enterprise for Lagos women, noting her roles as a market leader, activist, philanthropist and political pathfinder.
He added that the values of courage, discipline and service she exemplified were reflected in the leadership style of President Tinubu.
He further noted that the Eyo tradition, with its deep ancestral significance, remains a bond of intimacy and a heritage worthy of celebration.
Dignitaries at the event included the Chief of Staff to the President, Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila; Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat; Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa; and Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole.
Others were former Governor of Ogun State, Chief Olusegun Osoba; former Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babatunde Fashola; the Oba of Lagos, HRM Oba Rilwan Akiolu; Chief Kessington Adebutu (Baba Ijebu); Mrs. Abimbola Jakande; APC Women Leader, Mrs. Jumoke Okoya-Thomas; Iyaloja General of Lagos, Chief Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, among others.
The festival featured a colourful procession of various Eyo groups, beginning with Elemoro, followed by Ajagun, Onitoolo, Adele Aseese, Adimu Apena, Eletu Iwase, Arobadade, Oba Akintoye, Oloto, Saba, Akogun Olofin, Asajo, Kosoko Moronfolu, Opeluwa Onido, Ogunmade, Ojora Apasa, Oshodi Tapa, Olokun, Onikoyi and Eletu Omo.
The procession culminated in the appearance of the most prominent Eyo groups—Adimu, Okolaba, Oniko, Ologede and Agere—bringing the cultural spectacle to a grand finale.
