On Saturday, 27th December 2025, history was made at the historic Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), Onikan, Lagos Island, as the Lagos State Government and Lagosians hosted the 73rd edition of the iconic Eyo Festival.
The festival had in attendance distinguished personalities, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu; Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, and Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, alongside other eminent personalities from across the country.
The President described the Eyo Festival as a rekindling of Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage and a celebration of achievements, outstanding contributions and exemplary lives of distinguished and eminent Lagosians.
According to the APC Chieftain in Idiko, Oyo State, Chief Adewale Balogun, the Eyo Festival “is a sacred emblem of Lagos’ ancestry, royal heritage, and cultural identity.”
Chief Balogun added the festival commemorated and honoured the legacies of distinguished Lagos figures who had passed away.
He further stated that the Eyo Festival served “as a spiritual rite to escort the souls of the departed and cleanse the city, symbolizing renewal and continuity”.
The APC Chieftain in Oyo State has said that the festival, which was last celebrated eight years ago, was long overdue for it to be celebrated again in the state.
Chief Balogun stated that “The Eyo festival is our Christmas. It is our heritage celebration of over 300 years. He said it is a celebration of our heritage, our culture, something we must hold very dearly to us,”.
The APC chieftain hailed the festival as “the heartbeat of Lagos’ indigenous identity”, adding how happy he was to see the crowd turn out for the celebration.
In his final remark, Chief Adewale saluted President Tinubu for his good work and tireless dedication to turning Nigeria around to regain her name as the giant of Africa.
He stated President Tinubu was a blessing to Nigeria and Nigerians.
He also extended accolades to his brother, His Excellency, Babatunde Sanwoolu the Executive Governor of Lagos for making this festival a reality.
In the same vein, he saluted his friend Kayode Egbetokun, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), acknowleding his resilience and professionalism in making the Nigeria Police Force top notch in Africa and the world.
Chief Balogun also felicited with his friend, Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff (COS) to President Tinubu, for standing side by side with Mr. President in making positive-driven policies geared at boosting and strengthening our economy.
He also hailed all Ogboni fraternity members across Nigeria, especially those occupying top government positions, praying for unity and peace for the fraternity and the country as a whole.
