The Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu II has issued a stern warning on the residents of Lagos as well as visitors to the Saturday’s Eyo festival to avoid wearing shoes and head ties for the ritual event.
The Oba said during a press conference at the Ilupesi Square in Lagos Island on Thursday that violating the directive would tantamount to going against the ancient tradition, which attracts a stiff punishment.
The monarch, represented by the Olumegbon of Lagos, Fatai Lawal at the press parley, also reeled out other sanctions as well as expected behaviours for partakers of the festival.
Mr Lawal, a Chief in the Oba’s kingdom, enjoined everyone not to wear any shoes within the vicinity of the masquerades, saying that female must not wear any form of head ties to the event.
He said the Eyo Festival was being held as part of the Lagos@50 celebrations to honour illustrious sons of Lagos, including His Royal Highness, the Late Elegushi of Ikate, Oba Yekinni Elegushi (Kusenla II) and the deceased Co-Chairman, Lagos@50 Committee, Rasheed Gbadamosi.
The Oba assured residents and visitors that adequate security had been arranged for a successful festival and informed the public that the procession would take off at the Iga Iduganran to culminate at the Tafawa Balewa Square where the various Eyo groups would be on parade.
The Oba of Lagos said that the Eyo Festival would boost tourism as people were expected from all over the world to witness the festival which holds only on important occasions.
He assured the public that free transportation would be provided to the venue from all the areas of the State.
