Sanwo-Olu Reaffirms Commitment to Lagos Heritage as Eyo Festival Returns After Eight Years in Honour of Four Distinguished Lagosians

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustaining the age-long cultural heritage and traditions that make Lagos State unique and cherished around the world.

He stated that the Adamu Orisa Play, otherwise known as the Eyo Festival, is one tradition worthy of celebration, describing it as a powerful symbol of unity and communal strength. He noted that the festival’s return after eight years underscored its importance to the identity of Lagos, with the last edition held eight years ago.

Governor Sanwo-Olu made these remarks at the Tafawa Balewa Square, Onikan, during the 2025 Adamu Orisa Play (Eyo Festival), which was held in honour of four prominent personalities who made indelible marks in the history of Lagos State and Nigeria.

He explained that the Adamu Orisa Play represents a shared identity among Lagosians and expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his symbolic presence at the event, as well as to the Oba of Lagos, His Royal Majesty, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, for granting approval for the festival to hold.

According to the governor, the Eyo Festival stimulates tourism and economic activities, showcasing the true spirit of Lagos to the world. He stressed the need to preserve the state’s cultural heritage in line with the THEMES+ agenda of his administration.

Governor Sanwo-Olu further noted that the 2025 Adamu Orisa Play was significant as it honoured four distinguished Nigerians whose contributions remain etched in the annals of Lagos and national history.

The 73rd Adamu Orisa Eyo Festival was staged in celebration of the memory of the late Iyaloja-General, Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji; the first Military Governor of Lagos State, Brigadier General Mobolaji Johnson; the first civilian Governor of Lagos State, Alhaji Lateef Jakande; and a former Governor of the state, late Sir Michael Otedola.

The governor described Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji as an enduring pillar of strength whose legacy as a market leader and philanthropist continues to inspire many.

He also recalled that the first Adamu Orisa Festival was staged in 1854 in honour of the late Oba Akintoye.

Dignitaries present at the event included Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma; former Ogun State Governor, Chief Olusegun Osoba; former Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola; former Deputy Governor, Mr. Femi Pedro; Chief of Staff to the President, Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila; Minister of Finance, Mr. Wale Edun; Chief Kensington Adebutu; members of the Lagos State Executive Council, captains of industry, the Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Hon Abike Dabiri-Erewa, and Nigerians in the diaspora.

Several Eyo Igas were on display in their colourful regalia, including:

Akintoye, Ashogbon, Aromire, Ajagun, Arobadade, Akogun Olofin, Apena, Ajanaku, Asesi, Aiyeomosan, Alaagba, Asajon, Awise, Bajulaiye, Bajulu, Bashua, Egbe, Etti, Elegushi, Faji, Jakande, Kosoko, Dosunmu Ajiwe Forisha, Kakawa, Modile, Oluwa, Onilegbanwe, Onikoyi, Ojora, Olokun, Onimole, Opeluwa, Obanikoro, Oloto, Olumegbon, Erelu Kuti, Eletu Odibo, Eletu Ijebu, Eletu Iwashe, Oshodi Buku, Olorogun Agbeje, Olorogun Adodo, Onisemo, Ojon, Onisiwo, Balogun Okolo, Olorogun Ide Okoro, Saba, Onilado, Olusi, Onitana, Ogunmade, Oshodi Tapa, Suenu, Sasore, Salawe, Sasi, Sogunro, Taiwo Olowo, Onitolo, Oniru, Ogungbefoba, Elemoro, and Eletu Omo, among others.