Lagos State has set aside December 27, 2025 host a special edition of the historic Eyo Festival in honour of three late prominent figures.
Those to be honoured are the late Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji, mother of President Bola Tinubu; former Governors Lateef Jakande and Michael Otedola.
The announcement was made on Monday during a media briefing held at Iga Idunganran, the palace of the Oba of Lagos, attended by White Cap Chiefs and key custodians of Lagos tradition.
The event will take place at Tafawa Balewa Square on Lagos Island, the traditional home of the Eyo masquerade.
Oba Rilwan Akiolu described the forthcoming festival as a celebration of Lagos’ rich cultural identity and communal spirit, stressing that the Eyo tradition is not linked to deity worship but is a symbolic expression of heritage and unity.
“The Eyo Festival remains the largest mass cultural gathering in Nigeria today,” the monarch said, adding that “It draws people from all parts of the country and beyond, and it showcases the peaceful coexistence, inclusiveness, and collective aspirations of Lagosians.”
Akiolu added that hosting this year’s edition in honour of the distinguished personalities would promote renewed economic activities through tourism, commerce, and hospitality, while also boosting social cohesion and contributing to a reduction in crime and violence.
The monarch disclosed that extensive preparations are underway to ensure a smooth cultural procession, adding that discussions had already been held with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on deploying at least 100 buses, on a paid service basis, to transport spectators and participants from different parts of Lagos to and from the festival venue.
He said that the palace is engaging companies responsible for mobile toilets and other sanitation support, alongside security outfits that will provide crowd control and ensure the safety of residents and tourists.
“There will be no indiscriminate beating of any person or animal. Any such act is criminal and will be penalised accordingly,” Akiolu warned, emphasising that the Eyo masquerades must uphold decorum, peace, and respect throughout the celebration.
Responding to recent concerns over the withdrawal of police officers from VIP protection duties, Akiolu explained that the move was strategic and aimed at reinforcing the fight against insecurity across Lagos.
He said uniformed police personnel would now return to core duties such as crime prevention, surveillance, and protection of lives and property.
In line with directives from the Presidency, he said the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) would take over protective assignments for VIPs where required.
According to the monarch, this realignment is expected to improve overall security efficiency and ensure that policing resources are deployed where they are most needed.
“I acted strictly on the instruction of the Inspector-General of Police and intelligence authorities, which required the relocation of my office from Kamsalem House to the vicinity of the American Embassy. We have executed that directive successfully,” he said.
He noted that the new location involves sensitive security considerations and urged the public to avoid speculating on matters of national safety.
“By the grace of God, everything will settle peacefully. We must all remain open, calm, and cooperative,” he added.
