Speeches

2011 Eyo Festival

Nov 26, 2011 - Mo yo fun e, mo yo fun ra mi, mo yo fun ilu Eko.

I felicitate with you on this occasion of the 2011 Adamu Orisha Festival.

The Adamu Orisha Play which is also known as the Eyo Festival is a cultural experience that is unique to Lagos Island within a multi-cultural Nigeria where different cultures and traditions abound. It is staged to celebrate the transition of an Oba of Lagos or in recognition of the contributions of a late Lagosian to the development of Lagos State. The Adamu Orisha Play is one of the richest and proudest statements of the flamboyance, elegance and colour of Lagos State.

This festival is being staged in honour of Chief Yesufu Abiodun Oniru who was born in 1864 and was the Oniru Imahin from 1934 until his death in 1984.

Through the instruments of law, he sought to ensure that his people were not deprived of what was theirs. He won many legal battles against the acquisition of his ancestral property by the then emerging colonial authorities. It is an honour to witness this festival for the late Olori Oloye of Lagos, Chief Yesufu Abiodun Oniru, who was also the father of the present Oniru of Iruland, Oba Idowu Abiodun Oniru JP.

As in Eyo TOS Benson, which was held in April 2009, this festival is different from other performances since it is also designed to accommodate a larger audience without diluting the precepts and core values of the play.

We have made adequate arrangements to ensure the safety, comfort and peacefulness of the celebration at the Tafawa Balewa Square which befittingly was the spot where our National colours were first hoisted 51 years ago.

Whilst the Eyo festival provides an occasion for us to celebrate, it is also important for us to be introspective. We should remember this festival's significance which is largely within the context of preparations and performance of formal acts by the Oba of Lagos and the elders of the craft.

The Eyo Festival is one of the foremost festivals which identify us as a people; they are part of our beliefs and distinguishing emblems. Our culture is a summation of our beliefs and learned behaviors that must be jealously guarded and transmitted from the present to future generations.

My Administration is mindful of the economic effects of festivals and tourism destinations and it is expected that this Adamu Orisha edition will also stimulate entrepreneurship and other economic opportunities for our people .

Once again, it is my honour and pleasure to invite all Lagosians to come out and put our best foot forward to demonstrate the hospitality for which we are famous and welcome our guests, visitors and tourists who have come to experience the Adamu Orisha Play.

The Adamu Orisa festival is a legacy we will continue to cherish and uphold from generation to generation.

I wish you all joyous and memorable celebrations.

Eko o ni baje o!

Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN
Governor of Lagos State