Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has hosted representatives of the Jakande, Johnsons, Mogaji, and Otedola families in preparation for the upcoming 2025 Eyo Festival, which is set to take place on December 27, 2025. The gathering, held at the State House Marina, Lagos, featured a colourful display of Eyo masquerades and various cultural performances, adding to the excitement surrounding the festival.

In his remarks, Governor Sanwo-Olu emphasized that the 2025 Eyo Festival would not only celebrate Lagos’s rich cultural heritage but also serve as a platform to showcase the city’s status as a cultural and tourism hub. He noted that the event would bring together local and international audiences to witness the vibrancy and tradition that define Lagos.

Governor’s Speech

Governor Sanwo-Olu stressed the importance of culture, saying:

“We know that there is a rich tradition and culture in Lagos, because they say that a people without a culture will go into extinction. If you don’t have a culture, you are not relevant. What are you living for? What are you passing on?”

He continued, emphasizing that the Eyo Festival was a symbol of Lagos’s heritage and pride, further explaining:

“It will be a cultural event that we will use to demonstrate to all of our visitors and friends that Lagos is not only the centre of excellence, or the commercial nerve centre of the country; it is also the melting point of culture and tourism.”

Sanwo-Olu also expressed his gratitude to the families and attendees for their continued support in bringing the festival back after its eight-year hiatus.

Festival History and Significance

The Eyo Festival, a prominent Yoruba cultural celebration, is traditionally staged on Lagos Island to honour departed kings, chiefs, and other notable personalities. The event, renowned for its grand masquerades and royal pageantry, was last held on May 20, 2017. The 2025 edition marks the return of this iconic festival after an eight-year break, and it will take place at Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) in Lagos.

The festival is expected to draw large crowds, not only to celebrate Lagos’s rich cultural traditions but also to promote tourism and economic activities within the city.

Anticipated Impact

The return of the Eyo Festival is poised to have significant cultural and economic benefits for Lagos, enhancing its reputation as a global cultural destination. The Governor’s emphasis on tourism, culture, and unity resonates as the festival will also serve as a rallying point for both residents and tourists, reaffirming the importance of cultural preservation in modern governance.