Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said that there is a compelling need to consistently honour outstanding individuals, recognise great accomplishments and notable contributions, to strengthen the culture of performance, selflessness, and quality leadership in Lagos communities, and across the state.
Sanwo-Olu who made the remark at an event to celebrate the 2025 Eyo Festival, at the TBS, Lagos Island, yesterday, noted that “Lagos is excellent in deeds and rooted in heritage”, reports Sunday Independent.
He added that the event presented “another special day in our history as we celebrate the lives, times, and contributions of our esteemed past governors – Brig.-Gen. Mobolaji Johnson, Sir Michael Otedola and Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande as well as our revered mother, Alhaja Abibatu. Mogaji, a foremost political figure, activist and mother of our dear President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
As a state that is excellent in deeds and rooted in heritage, Sanwo-Olu said that “Lagos over the years, through the sacrifices of our forebearers and political leaders, has steadily evolved to become the pride of the Black race.
“We recognise that the infrastructural development and social advancement that elevated Lagos State to a pride of place amongst the world’s leading cities are a creation of the foresight of our leaders, and testament to the ingenuity of successive administrations in Lagos.”
He noted: “In fact, the achievements we are celebrating today have their foundations in the roadmap laid by our revered father and worthy leader, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the President of the Federal of Nigeria.
“We will continue to recongnise and honour him. As a leader, he has made followership so easy and exciting. His welfarist policy and people-centric programmes are rapidly transforming our country, Nigeria.”
According to Sanwo-Olu, the “Eyo Festival is a distinct culture of Lagos, and an unequivocal expression of our identity as a people.
“The regal Eyo performance is the highest traditional honour and recognition bestowed on illustrious sons and daughters of Lagos, as well as outstanding individuals, who have contributed meaningfully to the growth of Lagos, and in commemoration of historical milestones.
He said: “Beyond this, Eyo Festival is a colourful celebration that reflects the style, panache, creativity, and productiveness, which are at the core of our collective character in Lagos.”
Riliwanu Osuolale Aremu Akiolu, the Oba of Lagos, in his remarks, said that, “The Eyo Festival stands as one of the most profound expressions of Lagos heritage —van eloquent dialogue between the living and the ancestral realm.”
Also known as “Adamu Orisha,” Oba Akiolu stated that the “Eyo Festival is, at its essence, a sacred homage to ancestors and departed rulers.”
According to Oba Akiolu, the Eyo ceremony emphasizes values that lie at the heart of Yoruba cosmology — unity, tradition, mutual respect, and shared identity. In this moment, social differences dissolve, replaced by a common allegiance to heritage.”
The Lagos monarch, who said that the Eyo Festival is a meditation on leadership, legacy, and communal responsibility,” added: It underscores the reciprocal bond between rulers and the ruled, reminding the community that honouring leadership is inseparable from preserving collective values.
“Through music, dance, chants, and visual symbolism, the festival weaves a complex tapestry of meaning that speaks to both spiritual consciousness and social cohesion.”
The Olori Eyo of Lagos, Chief Adebola Olalekan Dosunmu, Akinsiku of Lagos, said that the Eyo Festival remains a sacred and historic symbol of Lagos tradition, unity, dignity, and continuity of our ancestral values.
Akinsiku stated that the festival “showcases peace, discipline, and respect for constituted authority.”
As a custodian of the revered tradition, he called on all participants, supporters, and spectators to conduct themselves with utmost orderliness and mutual respect throughout the celebration.
While emphasising that the use of arms, violence, or any form of disorder is strictly forbidden, Akinsiku added: “The spirit of Eyo is peace, not confrontation; culture, not chaos. All Eyo groups, devotees, youths, and attendees are hereby enjoined to cooperate fully with festival officials and security agencies to ensure a smooth and successful outing.”
Assuring of peaceful, well-coordinated, and memorable 2025 Eyo Festival, he added: “Lagos remains a land of hospitality, harmony, and progress, and this festival will further reflect those enduring values. May the festival usher in blessings, peace, and prosperity for Lagos State.”
At the event, prayers were offered for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the governor and other dignitaries by the Opeluwa of Lagos.
President Tinubu, Lagos State Chief of Staff, Tayo Ayinde, who is the chairman, planning committee, 2025 Adamu Orisha Play, former governor of the state, Femi Pedro, Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, among others, graced the occasion.
