The Eyo festival
is a unique festival celebrated at the Island of Lagos State, Nigeria. Lagos is
known for her fast growing economy and large contribution to the GDP of
Nigeria. It is the commercial nerve center of Nigeria. The word “Eyo” refers to
costumed dancers, also called masquerades that come out during the
festival and believed to be the spirits of the ancestors. History has it that
the festival is observed in event of the death of a monarch or the coronation
of another. It is also observed in honour of a dignitary who has contributed
immensely to the growth and development of the state or on request by the
governor who pays certain fees.
The Sunday
before the festival, the most senior Eyo processes round the city, this
signifying that the festival will kick off the following Saturday. Next are
four other Eyo: Làbà (red hat), Ónikó (yellow hat), Ọlọgẹdẹ (green green),
and Ageré (purple hat) who oversee
other groups. They take turn to process around the city between Monday to
Thursday.
On the morning
of the deal date, the Làbà (red
hat masquarade) processes around the city. The festival commences with the Eyo
setting out of the palace of a ruling family, robed from the head with a white
flowing gown down to the legs and wrapped underneath with an extra clothing. He
also puts on a hat which colour depicts that of the palace from where he
proceeded and holds a palm branch; heading to the shrine.
Procession to
the place of display and exhibition commences from Idumota and culminates at
the official residence of the Oba of Lagos, a site for tourist attraction, on
Lagos Island.
Here, displays
and exhibition by all the various Eyo and their groups characterizes the scene.
The show of inherent culture and highlight of the Lagos heritage, natural
endowments and richness is the main show of the day.
An Eyo does not
move alone. He moves with other members numbering up to 50 and 100. In
hierarchy, there is the most senior Eyo, who does not move with the other
members. He is referred to as the Eyo Adimu Orisa, he wears a different hat
from the others, mostly black, and must be an elderly and spiritually advanced male.
He leaves the shrine after every other members have left. The other four are
Eyo: Làbà (red hat), Ónikó (yellow hat), Ọlọgẹdẹ (green green),
and Ageré (purple hat) all of whom
oversee other groups.
BY IFEANYI KONYEHI
(source:
https://hotels.ng/guides/activities/eyo-festival/)
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