November saw thousands descend on Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos Island, for the 2011 edition of the Adamu Orisa play, more commonly known as the Eyo Festival.
Dressed in a spectrum of colours, they came to witness one of the biggest tourist attractions in Nigeria. The Eyo Festival celebrates the life of a departed Oba or other illustrious citizens of Lagos, and has been a landmark event on the Lagos calendar for over 300 years. Last year, the festival was held in honour of Pa Yesufu Abiodun Oniru (1864-1984), the late Oniru of
Iru land. It was attended by a host of dignitaries, including the Lagos State Governor, Mr Babatunde Fashola SAN; his father, Alhaji Ademola Fashola; the former Deputy Governor of Lagos state, Senator Kofoworola Akerele-Bucknor; and the senator representing Lagos East Senatorial district, Senator Gbenga Ashafa. The night before the festival is traditionally marked by Aisun, a vigil. This usually takes the form of numerous street parties all over Lagos Island. So-called Eyos, dressed in enthralling white robes and rich and beautiful colours, embark on a choreographic spectacle on the streets of Lagos Island. The Eyos are believed to be reincarnations of deceased, distinguished Lagosians who have returned to cleanse the city of evil and sanctify it for more prosperity.
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| JANUARY - MARCH 2012 | ISLAND EXPLORER |
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