Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Sunday, formally received the Opambata, ceremonial staff of the Eyo masquerade, marking the commencement of activities for the 2025 Adamu Orisha Play in Lagos.

Mr Sanwo-Olu received the sacred staff at the Lagos House, Marina, during a homage visit by families of personalities to be honoured at this year’s Eyo Festival.

Those to be honoured include the late iyaloja-general, Abibat Mogaji, mother of President Bola Tinubu, the first military governor of Lagos, Mobolaji Johnson, former Governors Lateef Jakande and Michael Otedola.

The procession was led by the Akinsiku of Lagos, Adebola Dosunmu, and other traditional adherents, who carried their Opambata.

Speaking at the event, Mr Sanwo-Olu said that the ceremony officially signalled the commencement of activities, ahead of the Adamu Orisha Play, scheduled to be held on Saturday.

He prayed for a peaceful and successful celebration of the festival.

The governor said that Lagos was not only Nigeria’s commercial and economic hub, but also a melting point of culture and tourism.

He commended participants for the large turnout and noted that the symbolic black-and-white attire worn during the ceremony represents unity, peace and progress.

Mr Sanwo-Olu also thanked the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, for championing the return of the Eyo Festival in 2025, after an eight-year hiatus.

(NAN)