President Bola Tinubu and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Sunday, participated prominently in the traditional Ijade Opa Eyo procession.
The procession normally heralds an upcoming iconic Eyo Festival.
The colourful procession, which moved through historic locations on Lagos Island, including the Marina and Ikoyi, signifies the official commencement of activities for the Adamu Orisa Play scheduled for Saturday, December 27.
High point of the event at the Lagos House, Marina, was the presentation of the sacred Opambata (the staff of authority) to Sanwo-Olu by the Akinsiku of Lagos, Chief Adebola Dosunmu.
The Lagos State Governor while receiving the staff, said the festival showcases Lagos as a beacon of culture and tourism.
Sanwo-Olu said, “We know that indeed there is a strong and rich tradition and culture in Lagos. People without a culture are going extinct. If you don’t have a culture, you are not relevant. What are you living for? What are you passing on? What are you you transferring?
“So it would be a cultural event that we will use to demonstrate to all of our visitors and friends that Lagos is not only the Centre of Excellence and the commercial and economic nerve centre of our country, but it is also the melting pot of culture and tourism.”
The governor was quoted as saying this in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile.
Earlier, the procession paid a homage visit to the President at his Ikoyi residence, where he was joined by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and Governor Sanwo-Olu.
Olori Eyo, Chief Dosunmu, explained that the Ijade Opa Eyo involves visits to family houses, traditional palaces, and significant locations to signal the certainty of the main festival.
Dosunmu outlined key cultural rules for the festival, including restrictions on footwear and a prohibition on photographing the sacred Orishas.
This year’s Eyo festival is dedicated to honouring four eminent Lagos indigenes: the late Iyaloja-General, Chief Abibat Mogaji (mother of President Tinubu); the first military Governor of Lagos, Brigadier-General Mobolaji Johnson; the first civilian Governor, Alhaji Lateef Jakande; and the Third Republic Governor, Sir Michael Otedola.
The event was attended by Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat; the First Lady of Lagos, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, cabinet members, and White Cap Chiefs.
