Eyo Festival – Lagos State
The Eyo Festival—traditionally known as the Adamu Orisha Play—is one of Lagos State’s most iconic cultural celebrations. It is unique to the Yoruba people of Lagos, particularly the Isale Eko (Lagos Island) community, and is renowned for its striking procession of white-clad masquerades known as Eyo, who wear lavish flowing robes (agbada), veiled faces and large hats (akete). Each Eyo group is identified by the colour of its hat and staff (opambata), representing different familial or deity groups within the tradition.
Historically, the festival’s first recorded procession on Lagos Island took place on 20 February 1854, to commemorate the legacy of Oba Akintoye, and it has since been held to honour deceased Obas or chiefs, to herald new leadership, or mark other significant occasions. Traditionally, the main route is on Lagos Island, from areas such as Idumota towards the Iga Idunganran palace, with major roads closed to vehicles during the parade.
The ritual roots of the Eyo Festival trace back beyond Lagos. Several historical accounts suggest that the cultural practice originated from Yoruba communities in present-day Ogun State (such as Iperu-Remo and Ibefun) and was later introduced to Lagos Island centuries ago through cultural exchanges, including marriage ties and spiritual practices, before becoming institutionalized as a Lagos tradition.
The Executive Chairman of Itire ikate Local council Development Area thereby facilitates with His Imperial Majesty Alayeluwa Oba(Dr.) Riliwanu Babatunde; Osuolale Aremu Akiolu on this year 2025 Orisa Eyo Festival.