Lagos has taken another visible step in preserving and promoting its rich cultural heritage with the unveiling of the Eyo Monument at the John Randle Centre for Yorùbá Culture and History in Onikan, Lagos Island. The landmark installation adds a striking new symbol to the state’s growing network of cultural and historical assets.
The nearly 40-foot-high monument was commissioned on Friday by the Lagos State Government, just days ahead of the annual Eyo Festival scheduled for Saturday, 27 December 2025. In preparation for the festival, the state government had earlier issued a travel advisory, warning residents and commuters of extensive traffic restrictions across Lagos Island.
The unveiling comes amid renewed enthusiasm for the iconic Eyo Festival. Last Sunday, during the traditional Ijade Opa Eyo ceremony at Marina, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu expressed satisfaction that the age-old cultural celebration would hold this year, describing it as an important expression of Lagos’ identity and history.
According to the state government, the monument is designed to serve as both an educational and tourism asset, reinforcing Lagos’ cultural tourism ambitions while contributing to economic and social development. The project was formally announced in a statement released by the Governor’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, titled “Sanwo-Olu commissions Eyo monument, reaffirms commitment to Lagos’ cultural identity.”
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Governor Sanwo-Olu described the Eyo Monument as a powerful representation of Lagos culture, noting that its placement within the John Randle Centre makes it a fitting addition to a space dedicated to preserving and showcasing Yorùbá history, art and tradition. He explained that the Eyo figure, long regarded as a defining cultural symbol of Lagos, tells the story of the state to a global audience.
The governor said the monument would serve as a unique attraction for visitors, providing an interactive space where people can learn about Lagos’ heritage, take photographs and engage with the state’s history. He added that the installation underscores the government’s commitment to protecting cultural assets while positioning Lagos as a global destination for arts and heritage tourism.
Commending the curator of the monument, renowned Nigerian artist Dotun Popoola, Sanwo-Olu praised the work as a reflection of Nigerian creativity and excellence. He noted that the project demonstrates how indigenous talent can be harnessed to interpret history and preserve culture through contemporary art.
The governor also highlighted the facilities at the John Randle Centre for Yorùbá Culture and History, describing it as a comprehensive cultural hub. The centre features exhibition spaces, an amphitheatre, a village square, a gift shop and other creative installations designed to immerse visitors in Yorùbá culture. He acknowledged the contributions of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, other stakeholders and traditional institutions, with special recognition given to the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, for his role in sustaining the state’s cultural legacy through collaboration.
Earlier, the Chief Executive Officer of the John Randle Centre, Qudus Onikeku, described the Eyo Monument as a major cultural achievement for Lagos. He explained that the structure was intentionally designed to be explored from within, allowing visitors to experience exhibitions and installations that narrate the story of Lagos, its communities and its historical evolution.
Onikeku revealed that the monument stands on a six-foot base and rises to nearly 40 feet, making it the tallest of its kind in Lagos State. He also disclosed plans to produce a documentary film chronicling the creation of the monument, the Eyo tradition and the broader cultural heritage of Lagos, with the aim of deepening public engagement.
Also speaking at the event, curator Dotun Popoola said the monument was conceived as a storytelling structure that reflects the diverse areas and historical journey of Lagos. He explained that visitors would be able to climb into the monument to explore curated spaces and visual narratives that interpret the cultural evolution of the state.
With the unveiling of the Eyo Monument, Lagos continues to signal its determination to preserve its past while presenting its cultural identity to the world through modern, accessible and engaging platforms.