The Eyo Festival is officially returning to Lagos, and the city is already preparing for another historic display of culture and splendour. With the Oba of Lagos announcing December 27 as the date, this year’s edition carries a special significance: it honours the late Michael Otedola, a former governor whose legacy continues to shape Lagos’ cultural pride, Lateef Jakande and Abibat Mogaji.
As the white-clad masquerades prepare to flood the streets, the city is once again stepping into its role as the custodian of one of Africa’s most iconic festivals. The announcement has sparked excitement from Isale Eko to the international diaspora, reminding everyone why Eyo remains a global cultural attraction.
This return sets the tone for a December filled with heritage, pageantry, and unity, signalling that Lagos is ready to celebrate tradition on the world’s stage once more.
A Quick History You Probably Didn’t Know
Did you know the Eyo Festival didn’t actually start in Lagos? Its roots trace back to Iperu-Remo in Ogun State, where the earliest forms of the masquerade tradition were practised. Over time, the custom travelled to Lagos through migration, inter-family ties, and cultural exchanges between both communities.
The first documented Eyo procession in Lagos took place in 1854. It was organised to honour Oba Akintoye and to mark a significant transition in the kingdom. The original purpose of Eyo was far more solemn than the colourful spectacle we see today? In the past, Eyo masquerades appeared during key moments, to escort kings and chiefs to the afterlife, cleanse the city spiritually, and welcome important dignitaries.
Did you know that as Lagos grew, so did Eyo’s identity? What started as a sacred rite gradually expanded into a vibrant cultural celebration, attracting thousands of visitors. Over the decades, the festival transformed into the global tourist attraction we now recognise, while still preserving its deep spiritual and historical essence.
Read: Eyo Festival
Understanding the Eyo Masquerade (Things Many People Get Wrong)
Many people know the spectacle but not the story behind it. The word “Eyo” refers to the white-clad masquerades who parade through Lagos Island during the Adamu Orisa Play, a sacred cultural performance that predates Nigeria’s colonial era. The name “Adamu Orisa” itself means “to pay homage to the spirits”, though the Eyo Festival is not tied to deity worship.
Each masquerade wears flowing white robes symbolising purity, peace, and ancestral presence. Their staff, called “Opá,” represents authority and is used to bless, not harm; a gesture of goodwill toward onlookers. Eyo masquerades do not speak like ordinary people; instead, they communicate in chants believed to carry spiritual resonance, bridging the seen and unseen worlds.
They are often called “agogoro Eyo”, the “tall Eyo”, because of their elegant, elongated form that mirrors ancestral spirits walking among the living. In essence, each Eyo represents a link between heritage and humanity, a symbol of Lagos’ collective identity.
This is why decorum is sacred: no beating, no rascality, no disrespect. The Eyo embodies dignity, a walking reminder that Lagos culture thrives best when honour and order walk side by side.
The Five Major Eyo Groups And What They Represent
The Eyo masquerades aren’t just a single group parading through Lagos Island. There are five major Eyo groups, each with its own colour, role, and story.
First up is the Adimu, the senior group distinguished by their black broad-rimmed hats. They are the trailblazers, announcing the festival a week in advance and leading the grand procession.
Next comes Laba, dressed in red, a vibrant reminder of courage and energy. Oniko follows in yellow, symbolising wealth and vitality, while Ologede strides in green, representing growth and harmony.
Finally, Agere, dressed in purple, rounds out the parade, a colour often associated with royalty and prestige. Each group moves in order, a choreography rooted in tradition, echoing the five family lineages of Iperu-Remo, the birthplace of the Eyo.
Together, they create a living tapestry of Lagos’ heritage, each colour and role telling a story older than the city itself.
What Actually Happens on Eyo Day
On Eyo Day, the streets of Lagos Island transform into a moving ocean of white fabric, alive with rhythm, chants, and ceremony. The procession begins at Idumota, weaving its way through the city past Carter Bridge and Tinubu Square, finally reaching the Iga Idunganran palace, where homage is paid to the Oba. Drums beat steadily, trumpets blare, and masquerades move in unison, their staffs tapping in ceremonial cadence.
Spectators line the streets, clapping, taking photos, and marveling at the spectacle, yet always respecting the cultural boundaries set by tradition. Masquerades maintain strict rules: they do not speak in ordinary language, decorum is mandatory, and no acts of disorder are tolerated.
Every step, every sway, every chant carries centuries of history. Walking through this parade, it’s impossible not to feel the energy, the unity, and the pride that Lagosians carry for their city and their culture. The Eyo Festival is not just a celebration, it’s a living story moving through the streets.
The Cultural Codes and Forbidden Items
Here’s a fun “did-you-know?” about the Eyo Festival: it comes with a strict set of cultural codes. For starters, no one can wear caps or head ties, and bicycles or Okada motorcycles are banned from the route. Smoking is off-limits, and the traditional Suku hairstyle is also forbidden. The Eyo costume itself is sacred: it must never be worn overnight, and crossing rivers or lagoons while in costume is strictly prohibited.
These rules are enforced the traditional way; Eyo masquerades tap rule-breakers with their staffs, a symbolic gesture meant to remind people of respect. This year, Oba Rilwanu Akiolu has issued an extra warning: anyone engaging in rascality or disorder will face strict consequences, including intervention by security officers. The festival thrives on order, dignity, and the shared joy of witnessing Lagos’ most iconic masquerade.
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Why the Eyo Festival Matters Today
Beyond the spectacle, the Eyo Festival plays a vital role in preserving Lagos’ identity. It’s a living bridge between past and present, connecting young people to their ancestral roots while showcasing the city’s creativity, energy, and communal spirit. The festival also provides a significant economic boost, drawing tourists from Nigeria and around the world, filling hotels, restaurants, and local markets. It promotes social harmony, bringing together people of different backgrounds, religions, and social standings under one shared cultural experience.
Watching the procession, it’s impossible not to feel pride in Lagos’ history and its ability to adapt tradition for a modern city. Festivals like Eyo prove that even in a fast-changing world, culture and heritage remain invaluable, teaching lessons in unity, respect, and celebration while giving Lagosians and visitors alike memories that last a lifetime.
What Will You Be Looking Out for on December 27?
This December 27, Lagos comes alive once more, inviting everyone to witness its rich tapestry of history, heritage, and pageantry. The Eyo Festival isn’t just about costumes, music, or procession, it’s about community, memory, and identity, a living reminder that culture can unite, inspire, and uplift.
As you watch the “tall Eyo” glide past, remember the centuries of tradition behind each step, each chant, each staff-tap. Look closely, and you’ll see Lagos’ heart beating in white robes, carrying stories, pride, and the enduring spirit of a city that celebrates itself like nowhere else in the world.
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