The Eyo Festival, also known as the Adamu Orisha Play, is a cultural extravaganza that takes place in Lagos, Nigeria. The festival celebrates Yoruba heritage, honoring ancestors and showcasing cultural richness. Its history, from the early 19th century, intertwines with Yoruba social and religious fabric.
The origins of the Eyo Festival can be traced to the island of Lagos. It emerged as a spectacle to honor the passing of a prominent chief or king. The festival is believed to have started in the 1820s during the reign of Oba Akintoye, the Oba of Lagos. Legend has it that the festival was a tribute to a deceased Oba, with the Eyo masqueraders symbolizing the spirits of the departed rulers.
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One of the distinctive features of the Eyo Festival is the procession that takes place through the streets of Lagos Island. The main Eyo masquerader, known as the “Adamu Orisha,” leads the procession, accompanied by other masqueraders and traditional drummers. The procession is a grand spectacle, with the masqueraders dancing and chanting traditional Yoruba songs, creating a vibrant and lively atmosphere.
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Eyo staff, known as, Opambata
In addition to the robe and hat, the masqueraders carry a staff, known as the “Opambata.” The staff is not only a practical accessory but also a symbol of authority and leadership. It adds a dynamic element to the masqueraders’ movements during the procession. It complements the rhythmic dance and creating a visually captivating spectacle. The Opambata serves the function as a tool to bless or chastise. When an Eyo approaches a person with the staff, it is either used to bless or chastise. They tap it on someone’s head as a blessing, and they slightly spank it to chastise.
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One of the key rituals of the Eyo Festival is the symbolic removal of the Eyo Oniko’s hat (Aga) at designated points along the procession route. This act, known as “Iwaju,” signifies a moment of respect and homage to the ancestors. After lifting the hat, the masquerader bows in reverence, and spectators join in paying their respects. This ritual adds a layer of solemnity to the procession, emphasizing the spiritual underpinnings of the festival.

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