Eyo: Tinubu Carries Sacred Staff in Lagos, Photos Emerge
- Lagos stood still for another momentous celebration as the popular Eyo Festival was held on Saturday, December 27, at Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos
- The 'Centre of Excellence' hosted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the 2025 Adamu Orisha Play Eyo Festival in Lagos
- President Tinubu explained why the festival must remain an unbroken part of Lagos State’s living tradition
Legit.ng journalist Ridwan Adeola Yusuf has over 9 years of experience covering public affairs and governance in Nigeria and Africa.
Lagos Island, Lagos State - President Bola Tinubu on Saturday, December 27, attended the grand finale of the week-long 2025 Eyo festival, in a white robe, a damask sash slung over his shoulder, and a distinctive hat emblazoned with bold, decorative stars.
Like other revellers, the president also carried a long staff called 'opambata'.
Source: Facebook
Eyo: Tinubu bears sacred staff
The opambata is the symbolic, sacred staff carried by the Eyo masquerades during the Eyo festival. It is a long palm stick used for blessings, greetings, warding off evil, and representing the authority and history of the festival, marking the official start of celebrations.
The Eyo 2025 festival, held at Tafawa Balewa Square in Lagos, began with paying homage and presenting the festival staff to Tinubu at his Lagos residence on Sunday, December 21.
Legit.ng reports that the Eyo Festival, which dates back to 1854, was held this year for the first time in eight years.
The carnival showcased the cultural history and heritage of Lagos, with various Yoruba families participating in regalia, dance, unity, and peace.
According to Bayo Onanuga, one of the presidential spokespersons, President Tinubu, in a message sent to the organisers, described the carnival as "a great rekindling of our culture".
Onanuga's statement reads:
"The Eyo Festival is a vibrant expression of the rich traditions of Lagos. It celebrates the achievements, outstanding contributions, and exemplary lives of distinguished Nigerians—not only eminent Lagosians."
Tinubu lauds Eyo’s tourism value
Furthermore, the president noted the Eyo festival's timing, which coincides with 'Detty December', a period when Lagos welcomes thousands of Nigerians from the diaspora and foreign visitors.
He said:
"It is a reminder that our culture and traditions hold great tourism potential. Indeed, our cultural assets can serve as valuable resources for destination promotion. The glamour of white-robed figures parading our streets in celebration of distinguished Lagosians sends a resounding message about our identity and our country."
Source: Twitter
Tinubu encouraged all pleasure seekers to celebrate peacefully and ensure the safety of all participants.
Trending photos of Tinubu can be seen below:
Read more on the Eyo festival:
- Photo emerges as Eyo masquerade collapses in stampede at APC rally in Lagos
- Yoruba festivals and holidays in Nigeria
FG set to declare public holidays
Legit.ng earlier reported that Nigeria's ministry of interior will soon declare Thursday, December 25, Friday, December 26, 2025, and Thursday, January 1, 2026, as statutory public holidays in the country.
The declaration will be made in a statement by the ministry this week in Abuja.
December 25, 2025, marks Christmas Day, while December 26, 2025, is observed as Boxing Day. January 1, 2026, will be observed as New Year’s Day.
Source: Legit.ng
