Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Sunday officially received the Opambata, the symbolic staff of the Eyo masquerade, signalling the start of activities ahead of the 2025 Adamu Orisha Play in Lagos.
The sacred staff was presented to the governor at the Lagos House, Marina, during a homage visit by families of distinguished personalities to be honoured at this year’s Eyo Festival.
Among those to be celebrated are the late Iyaloja-General, Chief Abibat Mogaji, mother of President Bola Tinubu; former Military Governor of Lagos State, Gen. Mobolaji Johnson; the state’s first civilian governor, Alhaja Lateef Jakande; and a former Third Republic governor, Sir Michael Otedola.
The ceremony, known as Ijade Opa Eyo, featured traditional chants, prayers and cultural displays that form part of the age-long rites preceding the Eyo Festival.
The procession was led by the Olori Eyo and Akinsiku of Lagos, Chief Adebola Dosunmu, alongside other traditional custodians, each bearing the Opambata.
Addressing attendees, Sanwo-Olu said the presentation of the staff formally marked the commencement of activities ahead of the Adamu Orisha Play, scheduled for Dec. 27.
He expressed optimism that the festival would be peaceful and successful, describing the Eyo Festival as a vital symbol of Lagos’ cultural identity and continuity.
“Our culture defines who we are as a people. Any society that neglects its heritage risks losing its essence,” the governor said.
Sanwo-Olu described the upcoming Eyo celebration as a source of pride for the state, adding that the festival would showcase Lagos’ rich traditions to both local and global audiences.
He noted that beyond being Nigeria’s commercial hub, Lagos remains a major centre for culture and tourism.
The governor also commended the large turnout at the ceremony and explained that the traditional black-and-white attire worn by participants symbolises peace, unity and progress.
He further acknowledged the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, for supporting the return of the Eyo Festival after an eight-year break.
Earlier, Chief Dosunmu explained that the Ijade Opa Eyo is one of several traditional rites leading to the main festival, serving as confirmation that the Eyo celebration will hold as scheduled.
He said the procession includes visits to ancestral homes, traditional palaces, the Oba’s Palace, the governor’s residence and other notable locations, including a courtesy visit to the President’s residence.
Dosunmu also outlined key rules guiding the festival, such as restrictions on footwear, caps and scarves, and the prohibition of photographing sacred Orishas, while noting that photographs of the Eyo masquerades are permitted.
He emphasised that the Eyo tradition predates modern religions and remains a cultural heritage passed down through generations.