By Ghazali Ibrahim
The Oba of Lagos, HRM Oba Riliwan Babatunde Osuolale Aremu Akiolu I, has officially announced that the revered Eyo Festival, also known as the Adamu Orisha Play, will return this year and is scheduled to hold on December 27, 2025.
The festival is held in honour of departed prominent Lagosians.
In a video obtained by BlackBox Nigeria, the monarch while addressing chiefs and the councilmen announces the celebration of the iconic festival in honour of former governor of Lagos State who is also a lagosian.
According to Chief Adebola Dosunmu, the Olorodun Adodo of Lagos who is also the Olori Eyo (head), this year’s play will be held in honour of Sir Michael Otedola, a former governor of Lagos.
The announcement marks a highly anticipated revival of one of Lagos’ most significant and colorful cultural celebrations, often regarded as a symbol of the city’s heritage and identity.
The Eyo Festival features the famed white-clad Eyo masquerades, who will once again take to the streets of Lagos Island, wielding their iconic staffs (opambata) as they perform traditional dances and rituals.
The festival is held in honour of departed kings or highly respected Lagosians and is deeply rooted in the customs of the Isale Eko community.
The last time Eyo Festival took place was on May 20, 2017 as part of the celebration of the 50th anniversary of Lagos State and late Oba Elegushi.
Prior to that, on November 26, 2011, it was celebrated in honour of late prince Yesufu Abiodun Oniru of Oniru royal family in Lagos.
The Oba’s announcement has been met with excitement across the state, as preparations are expected to ramp up for what promises to be a vibrant celebration of Lagos’ cultural pride and history.
