Lagos Comes Alive as Eyo Festival Showcases Centuries-Old Heritage

Lagos was transformed into a moving theatre of history and culture as thousands gathered to witness the Eyo Festival, one of the state’s most iconic traditional celebrations.

From the early hours of the day, major routes across Lagos Island were filled with drumming, chants, and waves of white as Eyo masquerades, known as Adimu, made their ceremonial procession through the city. Dressed in flowing white robes, broad-brimmed hats, and carrying staffs known as opambata, the masquerades moved rhythmically, symbolizing the spiritual connection between the living and the ancestors.

The festival, deeply rooted in Yoruba tradition, is historically staged to honour the passing of a respected Lagos monarch or chief, or to celebrate significant state occasions. For many residents and visitors, it remains a powerful reminder of Lagos’ identity beyond its fast-paced, modern reputation.

Spectators lined the streets to watch different Eyo groups parade in coordinated formations, each accompanied by drummers and praise singers. The sound of traditional percussion echoed across neighbourhoods, creating an atmosphere that blended reverence with celebration. Vendors sold local snacks, cultural souvenirs, and refreshments, adding to the carnival-like energy of the day.

Eyo, More than Just a Festival

Cultural historians note that the Eyo Festival serves as more than spectacle; it is a living archive of Lagos history. The rituals, costumes, and processions are governed by long-standing customs passed down through generations, preserving values of respect, unity, and continuity within the indigenous Lagos community.

Eyo Exposed: Lagos’ Masquerade of Culture and Conflict?

Tourism officials also point to the festival’s growing global appeal. Over the years, the Eyo has attracted photographers, researchers, and cultural enthusiasts from outside Nigeria, many of whom describe it as one of West Africa’s most visually striking traditional events.

For participants, the festival is both duty and honour. Members of Eyo groups undergo preparation and guidance before taking part, reinforcing discipline, coordination, and communal responsibility. Elders and cultural custodians oversee proceedings, ensuring that the rituals remain aligned with tradition.

Despite ongoing conversations around crowd control and conduct during the festival, many attendees insist that the Eyo remains a symbol of pride for Lagosians, a reminder that amid urban growth and cultural change, some traditions still stand tall.

As the masquerades gradually retreated and the drums fell silent, the streets of Lagos Island returned to their usual rhythm, leaving behind memories of a festival that continues to define the city’s cultural soul.