The Eyo is different from the Festival, The Eyo is a character displayed by an individual or a group of people who are costumed as the Eyo. They are people who have been chosen to do so,because of their full knowledge of The Eyo and the festival. The Eyo showcases themselves and their heritage during the festival. The events is proudly supported by the Lagos state Government and other organizations in Lagos Nigeria.
Adamu
Orisa was introduced to Lagos by Ejilu and Malaki brothers to Olugbani, the
Olori to Oba Ado. Oba Ado was the first ruler of Lagos to have his seat of
government at Iga Iduganran.
One source stated that Ejilu and Malaki first visited Lagos
during the funeral of Oba Ado and as their contribution to the funeral, they
brought their set of Adamu Orisas (that is, Adamu, Oniko and Ologede) to take
part in the funeral rites. …. Read more
about Adamu Orisa, the man that started Eyo festival
In modern times, The Eyo festival is stage to bid
farewell for a demise Royalty in Lagos, such
as a King or Chief, or to welcome a new king or chief into power. Eyo festival
is believed to be one of the oldest Lagos heritage and traditon.
The Eyo parade starts from
Idumota to The Iga Idunganran through the Carter bridge to Tinubu square( TBS) most
shops are always shut on the day of the festival. The
white-clad Eyo masquerades are believed to represent the spirits of the dead,
and are referred to in Yoruba
as "Agogoro Eyo" (literally: "tall Eyo").
Adamu Orisa (Eyo) was first staged for
the late Oba Akintoye on February 20th 1854 to bid his souls farewell.
Eyo
festival is also observed as a tourist attraction.
A full week before the festival[4] (always a Sunday), the ‘senior’ Eyo
group, the Adimu (identified by a black, broad-rimmed hat), goes public with a
staff. When this happens, it means the event will take place on the following
Saturday. Each of the four other ‘important’ groups — Laba (Red), Oniko
(yellow), Ologede (Green) and Agere (Purple) — take their turns in that order
from Monday to Thursday.
Certain
items are prohibited, below is a list, if you are attending the festival do not
carry any of this items with you:
- Okada
motorcycle taxis
- Bicycles
- Sandals
- Suku - hairstyle that is
popular among the Yorubas, one that has the hair converge at the middle,
then shoot upward, before tipping downward.
- Smoking
The
masquerades are known to beat people who use any of the prohibited items at
sight with their staffs.
