Traditional activities marking the buildup to the Eyọ Festival 2025 intensified as Eyọ Ọba Alakẹtẹ Pupa, Laba Ẹkun, paid a ceremonial visit to Lagos House, Ikeja, to perform the historic Ijade Ọpa procession.
Eko Hot News reports that the revered masquerades, led by the Ọkọlaba and the Bajulu of Lagos, were formally received as part of the age-long rites preceding the Adamu Orisa Play, a central highlight of the annual Eyọ Festival.
The Ijade Ọpa procession is a symbolic tradition that signals the formal commencement of activities leading to the Eyọ Festival.
It reflects the deep spiritual, cultural, and historical significance attached to the celebration, which remains one of Lagos’ most iconic heritage events.
According to tradition custodians, the visit underscores respect for authority and continuity of customs that have been preserved across generations in Lagos. The presence of Eyọ Ọba Alakẹtẹ Pupa and Laba Ẹkun further reaffirmed the sacred nature of the rites.
The Eyọ Festival 2025, also known as the Adamu Orisa Play, is scheduled to hold on December 27 at the Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos. The event is expected to attract thousands of residents, tourists, and cultural enthusiasts from within and outside Nigeria.
The festival serves as a platform for cultural preservation, community bonding, and the promotion of Lagos’ rich Yoruba heritage.
It also plays a significant role in boosting cultural tourism and showcasing indigenous traditions to a global audience.
Observers note that the continued observance of these rites reflects Lagos State’s commitment to protecting its cultural identity while strengthening intergenerational connections rooted in tradition.
