Eyo Festival

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As early as 5am, the people of Lagos Island wake up to the drums, songs and guttural sounds of the Eyo masquerades. It’s the most anticipated cultural event in Lagos, Nigeria- the Eyo festival.
The Adamu Orisa play or the Eyo festival is the final day of a week-long series of activities organized to celebrate the enthronement or death of an Oba (king) in Lagos or in memory of important personalities in the state.
About 70 Eyo groups- consisting of hundreds of dance and sing as they make their way through the streets of Lagos Island before their final parade at the Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS).
The eyo play has evolved since it was first staged more than three centuries ago. This year, the festival was a two- fold celebration. It was a commemoration of the life and times of Oba Yekini Adeniyi Elegushi, Kusenla II, of Ikate Kingdom and celebration of the 50th anniversary of Lagos state.
There are different versions of the history of the Eyo Lagos but many believe their procession through the streets sweep away evil and ensure prosperity for the city and its people.
“In traditional lore, these are the otherworldly visitors, who have come as harbingers of good tidings”- Agogoro Eyo (a Lagos at 50 publication)
By Flourish Chukwurah- Lagos, Nigeria