as Sanwo-Olu Congratulates
Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has been installed as the Okanlòmo of Eyọ Ọba Alakẹtẹ Pupa, Laba Ẹkun, in a traditional ceremony held on Friday, December 26, ahead of the highly anticipated Eyo Festivalscheduled for Saturday in Lagos.
The installation places Seyi Tinubu in a symbolic leadership role within the ancient Eyo institution, one of the most revered cultural traditions of the Lagos people.
Return of a Cultural Icon
The Eyo Festival, last held in 2017, is globally recognised for its iconic white-clad masquerades, rhythmic chants, ceremonial dances, and deep historical symbolism. Regarded as a cultural treasure of Lagos, the festival is expected to attract significant local and international attention, reinforcing the city’s status as a centre of Yoruba heritage and cultural tourism.
Sanwo-Olu Hails Installation
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu congratulated Seyi Tinubu in a message shared on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account, describing the honour as a reflection of service and character.
“I warmly congratulate Barrister Oluwaseyi Tinubu on his installation as the Okanlòmo of Eyọ Ọba Alakẹtẹ Pupa, Laba Ẹkun.
This honour reflects service, character, and commitment to our culture and people,” the governor wrote.
Sanwo-Olu added that the new title carries expectations of responsibility and cultural stewardship.
Eyo Monument Commissioned in Onikan
Earlier on Friday, the governor commissioned the Eyo Monument at the John Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History in Onikan, Lagos Island. The nearly 40-foot-high monument was described by the Lagos State Government as a powerful symbol of the state’s heritage and a major boost to cultural tourism.
Speaking at the ceremony, Sanwo-Olu said the monument captures the essence of Lagos identity and provides a space for education, photography, and historical engagement.
He praised the curator, Dotun Popoola, for what he described as exceptional craftsmanship and intellectual depth, noting that the project demonstrates the power of indigenous creativity in preserving history through art.
Traffic Restrictions Issued
Ahead of the festival, the Lagos State Government issued a travel advisory, announcing partial and full road closures across Lagos Island to allow the traditional Eyo procession to move safely.
Affected routes include:
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Third Mainland Bridge exit to Adeniji Adele Road
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Adeniji Adele ramps (inward and outward)
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Simpson Bridge corridors
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Obalende, CMS, Marina, Apogbon, and Idumota
Motorists were advised to plan ahead and use alternative routes, with LASTMA officials deployed across diversion points to manage traffic flow.
Strengthening Lagos’ Cultural Identity
According to the state government, the Eyo monument and the festival underscore Lagos’ commitment to safeguarding its cultural assets while positioning the state as a global destination for arts, heritage, and tourism.
The return of the Eyo Festival, alongside the installation of new cultural titleholders, marks a renewed effort to preserve tradition while projecting Lagos’ rich history onto the global stage.
Ifeoluwa Okonkwo ✔
Ifeoluwa Okonkwo is a dedicated News Content Editor at Naija247news, bringing over five years of experience in news writing and editorial work. A graduate of the University of Abia State, Ifeoluwa specializes in curating and refining impactful news stories that resonate with readers. Her expertise lies in delivering accurate, timely, and engaging content across diverse topics, contributing to the platform’s reputation for excellence in journalism. Through her leadership, she ensures high editorial standards and an unwavering commitment to journalistic integrity.
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