Eyo Festival Rituals Must Remain on Lagos Island, Says Kunle Odufuwa
As Lagos prepares for the much-anticipated Eyo Festival, cultural experts are reminding residents and visitors alike of the traditional boundaries that define one of the city’s most iconic celebrations.
Journalist and media consultant Kunle Odufuwa has emphasised that the rituals and procession of the Eyo masquerade are traditionally confined strictly to Lagos Island.
He noted that it was long decreed that the festival should remain within the island and not cross bridges to other parts of Lagos, reflecting the deep cultural and spiritual significance of the event.
The Eyo Festival, also known as the Adamu Orisa Play, is a centuries-old Yoruba tradition that celebrates the lives of notable Lagos chiefs and monarchs.
The festival features masquerades dressed in white robes and broad hats, who move along specific streets of Lagos Island, performing rituals meant to honour ancestors and uphold the spiritual heritage of the community.
Odufuwa explained that the festival’s confinement to Lagos Island is deliberate. “The rituals performed are performed within the Lagos Island. It was decreed that it should remain on the Island,” he said, highlighting that the historical context of the festival links the masquerades to the sacred precincts of the island where they symbolically escort the departed souls of eminent Lagosians.
Traditionally, the Eyo procession takes place along palace courtyards and streets considered culturally and spiritually significant.
The restriction against crossing bridges is seen as a measure to preserve the sanctity of the rituals and the authenticity of the festival. Cultural custodians argue that any deviation from these routes could dilute the spiritual and historical essence of the celebration.
The current edition of the festival, staged after a period of hiatus, has attracted thousands of spectators, including locals and tourists.
Authorities have implemented traffic diversions on Lagos Island to ensure the smooth movement of the procession. While the event has become a major tourist attraction, cultural advocates stress that respecting its traditional boundaries remains essential for maintaining its integrity.
For Lagosians and festival-goers, the Eyo Festival is more than a spectacle; it is a living testament to the city’s history, spirituality, and community identity. As Kunle Odufuwa reminds, preserving its rituals within Lagos Island is key to sustaining the cultural legacy for generations to come.
