History, Arts and Culture - The Eyo Festival in Lagos, Nigeria

Also known as the Adamu Orisa Play, the Eyo festival has been staged since olden days, and probably dates back much further than most can imagine.

Sources claim the cultural display was inherited from Ibefun, a town in Ogun state, where according to folklore, the then Oba of Lagos, Oba Akinsemoyin, set out to assuage the Eyo deity so that his childless younger sibling, Erelu Kuti, could bear a child.

She did eventually have two children whose line to date, determines an Oba's ascension to the throne in Lagos, the commercial capital of Nigeria.

According to history, the earliest recorded show dates back to the 19th century when Eyo was staged at Oke Ipa, today's lagoon end of Glover Road area in Ikoyi. This was were Obas of Lagos, chiefs, elders and important dignitaries came from their homes and palaces (a three day journey at the time!), to watch the Eyo Play.

The purpose of staging the play has been slightly modified over the centuries, but today, the Adamu Orisa festival is culturally staged in memory of a departed Oba, or for the enthronement of a new one.

More recently, it is also staged in memory of eminent Lagosians or to commemorate visits by State and foreign dignitaries, with a parade that terminates at the Tafawa Balewa Square in Lagos Island.

Festivals and Culture - Eyo Festival in Lagos, Nigeria: The Eyo festival is a dramatic cultural display that's held as an honourable memorial and tribute to a departed Oba of Lagos, to commemorate the ascension to the throne of a new one, or to honour the departed illustrious sons and daughters of Lagos who had been prized custodians of its traditions, customs, history, arts and culture. Read more...

Eyo Festival in Lagos - Eyo Masquerades Costumes & Regalia

The flowing costumes and beautiful regalia of Eyo masquerades is an awesome sight to behold. Observing the thousands of men, both young and old, garbed in white robes and broad brimmed hats, moving gaily along the streets, holding tight to their staff of authority and dancing gaily to the beat of drummers in a carnival like atmosphere. Read more...

Prominent Eyo Conclaves: The "Senior Five" Eyo Groups

The historical origins of the five conclaves has many versions, but the Adimu Orisa is recognised as the leading deity. They herald in the staging of the Eyo festival by taking front stage in the procession. Read more...

Oba of Lagos - Upholder of Traditions and Custodian of Eyo Festival

A reigning Oba of Lagos is the head of Eyos always has the final say on all that has to be carried out, ceremonial procedures that have to be followed. Read more...

Eyo Festival in Lagos - The 'Voice' of The Eyo Masquerade

Because they are considered as spirits of the dead, the Eyo speaks in a strange manner when communicating verbally, which isn't very often. They speak in a ventriloqual voice that suggests that they are from the spirit world. Read more...

It is good to stay in touch with customs and traditions. Only this way we and the future generations’ of the world can guarantee that the arts, culture and traditions of the past don’t become extinct.

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