Eyo Festival to Honour Tinubu’s Mother, Jakande, Otedola — Oba of Lagos

The Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, has announced that the late Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji, mother of President Bola Tinubu, will be honoured at the historic Eyo Festival scheduled to hold on December 27, 2025, in Lagos.

The Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, has announced that the late Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji, mother of President Bola Tinubu, will be honoured at the historic Eyo Festival scheduled to hold on December 27, 2025, in Lagos.

The announcement was made on Monday during a press briefing at the Iga Idunganran Palace, where the monarch disclosed that preparations were in full swing to host thousands of participants and spectators at the Tafawa Balewa Square, the designated venue for the cultural celebration.

Oba Akiolu explained that the festival is being staged in tribute to the late matriarch and the two respected leaders, describing them as towering figures in Lagos history whose legacies continue to shape governance, civic leadership, and community development.

He recalled that Alhaja Mogaji played an influential role in Lagos’ market leadership structure, while Jakande and Otedola are remembered for impactful policies and programmes that strengthened the state’s social and economic foundations..

“This year’s Eyo is not just a cultural display, but a remembrance and a mark of respect for great individuals who left their imprint on Lagos,” Oba Akiolu said.

“We must also avoid turning it into a commercial venture. It is not an avenue to make money. Eyo is our heritage sacred, historic and dignified and we must treat it as such,” he added.

The monarch assured that the Lagos State Government had provided adequate security arrangements for the event and revealed that plans were underway to deploy 100 buses to convey guests and participants across the state, ensuring smooth transportation to and from the festival grounds.