Last Saturday, some Lagosians in their thousands, defied the early morning downpour to celebrate the state’s iconic Eyo Festival organised as part of activities marking the celebration of the 50 years of existence of Lagos State.
Markets were shut, shops were closed and tempo of business activities were at zero level but some parts of the city of aquatic splendour, especially on Lagos Island were booming with activities to herald Lagos ‘most unique heritage, Eyo Festival also known as ‘Adamu Orisa’.
The Adamu Orisa play was said to be the 84th edition of the Lagos symbolic festival, usually held in honour of late influential indigenes of the state, particularly those from the royal family.
This year’s edition was celebrated in honour of Late Oba Yekini Elegushi, the immediate past Oba of Ikate Land and also to commemorate the Lagos@50 celebration.
Hence, as early as 7am, hundreds of Eyo Masquerades comprising the young and old masquerades in their immaculate white regalia and accompanying palm frond also known as ‘Opanbata’ with caps to match, danced round Lagos Island in the downpour.
Usually, the masquerades decked in the white garment or regalia that each masquerade must adorn and their activities were restricted to Lagos Island between 8a.m. and 7p.m.
They stormed the major streets on Lagos Island before heading to the Tafawa Balewa Street where they put up a colourful display to the admiration of the waiting crowd at the Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos.
The Eyo masquerade moved in procession, chanting different praises of their ancestors. Many of the spectators, who defied the early morning downpour that lasted almost throughout the event, had waited for the masquerades at the pavilion of the TBS.
Among the dignitaries, who graced the event were the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress and the former Governor of the state, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu; the state Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Amode; his wife, Mrs Bolanle Ambode, Senator Gbenga Ashafa, Senator Gbenga Obadara, the royal fathers, members of the state Executive Council members of the state House of Assembly, market leaders, cultural ambassadors, tourists and artists.
Speaking with New Telegraph, the Acting Commissioner for Transportation, Prince Lanre Elegushi, described the celebration as iconic, commending the Lagos State Government for choosing to honour the late monarch with the Eyo Festival.
Elegushi, who described this year’s celebration as memorable, said the 2017 Eyo Festival was unique as the one celebrated in commemoration of the Lagos@50 celebration, saying that Elegushi Family, both at home and abroad would forever appreciate the state government for honouring their late patriarch. “Sincerely, I must use this opportunity to appreciate the Lagos State Government for giving us this platform.
We are all happy to see that Oba Yekini Elegushi is being honoured with historic Eyo Festival that coincides with the Celebration of Lagos@50,” the Acting Commissioner said.
At the event, vendors of souvenirs such as fez-caps, T-shirts, handkerchiefs with the inscription“ Lagos @50’’ on them; made brisk sales during the festival, despite the heavy rain during the early hours of the day Meanwhile, there was heavy traffic jam in some areas, particularly areas close to the TBS.
But as colourful as the festival was, to many unsuspecting passers-by, it was a festival of molestation, harassment and intimidation as hoodlums and other adherents of Eyo Festivals pounced on anyone who put on shoes and scarf while walking on the road on Lagos Island and near the TBS.
Several passersby were beaten without explanation by the thugs, claiming they must respect their gods. One of them, who accosted this reporter, said: “We don’t allow anyone to put on shoe on a day like this.
This is our gods, oracle of our ancestors.
It must be respected. We won’t allow anyone to disrespect them by putting on shoes whether the person is a journalist or not. We just respect (sic) you because you are a press (sic).
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