President Bola Tinubu and his wife, Oluremi, are expected to attend the Eyo Festival holding today in Lagos State.
The Lagos State Government is hosting the festival procession at Tafawa Balewa Square on Lagos Island.
Also expected at the event are Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo Olu, his deputy Obafemi Hamzat, residents of the state, visitors from other parts of the country and Nigerians in the diaspora.
The Eyo Festival, also known as the Adamu Orisha Play, is a Yoruba cultural festival unique to Lagos.
It is known for its parades and displays involving costumed dancers called Eyo masquerades.
The roots of the festival are linked to the traditional institutions and secret societies of Lagos.
This year’s festival will honour notable Lagosians, including President Tinubu’s late mother, Abibatu Mogaji, as well as former governors Lateef Jakande and Michael Otedola.
The Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, had earlier announced the festival during a media briefing at his palace in Iga Idunganran, Lagos Island.
The briefing was attended by members of the White Cap Chiefs.
Oba Akiolu said security arrangements had been put in place before, during and after the event.
He also warned participating masquerades against harassing spectators or other participants.
“Eyo is not an avenue to make money for any chief. It is our sacred heritage and must be treated with dignity, not an avenue for personal profit,” Oba Akiolu said.
The festival is restricted to Lagos Island, with Tafawa Balewa Square serving as the main venue.
Authorities said 100 buses would be deployed to convey participants from different parts of the state.
The Eyo Festival is traditionally used to honour departed kings and chiefs and to celebrate Lagos ancestral heritage.
Participants wear white robes, veils and colour coded hats and carry long staffs as they move from family palaces to designated shrines, accompanied by music and dance.
