Tinubu, Uzodimma, Others In Lagos For Eyo Festival

President Bola Tinubu, the chairman of Progressive Governors Forum (PGF), Hope Uzodimma, several prominent Nigerians and members of the diplomatic corps yesterday converged on Lagos State for the 2025 Eyo Festival.

In his address at the Eyo Festival, popularly called the Adamu Orisa play, which took place at Tafawa Balewa Square, on Saturday, Lagos State governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said the sacred Adamu Orisa play is performed after an eight-year interval.

He emphasised that the revered tradition has returned in full splendour, standing as a powerful affirmation of their identity, resilience and unbroken connection to history.

He said, “On behalf of the government and the people of Lagos, I express our profound gratitude for these revolvers. Your leadership and the custodianship of our heritage have ensured that these sacred rites once again unite our people in shared memory, in reference, and in pride.

“Mr President, this year’s Eyo Festival carries great significance. It collectively honours four eminent figures who have shaped not only the culture of Lagos, but indeed Nigeria. The late Alhaja Abibat Mogaji, a revered Iyaloja of Lagos, and the mother of our dear president, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.

“The second honouree is the first civilian governor of Lagos State, the late Alhaji Lateef Jakande, the action governor, as we all know him. And next, is also the late Sir Michael Otedola and finally, the first military administrator of Lagos, the late Brigadier General Mobolaji Johnson.
‘’In particular, Mama Abibat Mogadji remains an enduring symbol of strength and enterprise to every Lagos woman.

As a market leader, as an activist, as a philanthropist and a political pathfinder, she embodied what is known today as great courage, discipline, and service.

“These are all the attributes and virtues that she has passed on, and you will agree with me, with our leader and her son, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, our president.

“His activity as our President so far has demonstrated great compassion. It has demonstrated courage. It has demonstrated resilience and passion for our great country, Nigeria.

“And so the Eyo tradition, which has a great contribution to the ancestral realm, is not just a bond of intimacy. But it is worth celebrating.”

Dignitaries who graced the occasion included the Imo State governor, Hope Uzodimma; chief of staff to the president, Femi Gbajabiamila; Lagos State deputy governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat; lagos State speaker, Rt Hon Mudashiru Obasa and the minister of Investment and Industry, Jumoke Oduwole.

Others were the former governor of Ogun State, Olusegun Osoba, ex-governor of Lagos, Babatunde Fashola; Oba of Lagos, HRM Rilwan Akiolu, Kessington Adebutu (Baba Ijebu), wife of late Alhaji Jakande, Abimbola, women leader of All Progressives Congress (APC), Jumoke Okoya-Thomas, Iyaloja General, Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, among others.

The event began with a colourful procession of the various Eyo with Elemoro, followed by Ajagun, Onitoolo, Adele Asese, Adimu Apena, Eletu Iwase, Arobadade, Oba Akintoye, Oloto, Saba, Akogun Olofin, Asajo, Kosoko Moronfolu, Opeluwa Onido, Ogunmade, Ojora Apasa, Oshodi Tapa, Olokun, Onikoyi, Eletu Omo and others.

The procession culminated with the most prominent Eyo groups who are Adimu, Okolaba, Oniko, Ologede and Agere.