The Èyò festival in Lagos this year offered a striking display of how deeply tradition can be woven into the lives of a people, even amidst modern religious and cultural debates. While some believe that certain customs may conflict with religious values or diminish the prestige of religious households, Lagos has demonstrated that culture can coexist with contemporary life in vibrant and meaningful ways.
Unlike the Ijebu’s Ojude Oba festival, which traditionally inducts grown children into rites of passage, Lagos’ Èyò celebration took the concept further—both in scale and in the inclusivity of younger participants. Videos and images captured children reciting the Orò incantations and offering prayers with remarkable passion and reverence. Far from merely performing ritualistic acts, these young participants demonstrated the essence of a community deeply connected to its heritage, proudly asserting what is theirs.
Humour and creativity were evident in playful chants like “Eyo Jele o sinmi,” “Eyo Cocomelon,” “Eyo Oni Pampers,” and “Eyo Mummy come and see,” blending modern references with traditional calls, showing that culture evolves yet remains rooted.
The festival also highlighted the delicate skill required to perform the rites. For instance, it is taboo for an Opambata staff to fall from an Èyò, yet children were seen making minor errors during their performance of the Orò. What stood out, however, was the public demonstration of correction: mistakes were acknowledged and immediately addressed, reinforcing both discipline and the value of learning through participation.
While Lagos is not the first city to celebrate Èyò, its execution this year has been widely praised for its energy, precision, and ability to engage multiple generations. The festival did more than entertain; it reinforced identity, pride, and the continuity of culture among the youth.
As the chants echoed across Lagos streets—“Moyo fun e. Moyo fun ra mi”—it was clear that Èyò remains not just a festival, but a living testament to the resilience and adaptability of Yoruba traditions.
📸: Sodiq Adelakun / Reuters
