For the first time in over seven years, the iconic Eyo Festival is set to return to Lagos Island on December 27, bringing renewed excitement, cultural pride and heightened security assurance from the Lagos State Police Command.
Speaking after a courtesy visit to His Royal Majesty, the Oba of Lagos, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Moshood Jimoh Olohunde, said the Command is fully prepared to ensure a peaceful and hitch-free celebration, in line with the directive of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu that all state-recognised festivals, including the Eyo, must hold this year.
CP Olohunde described the moment as historic, noting that he considers himself fortunate to be serving as Commissioner of Police at a time when the revered cultural festival is making a comeback. He said extensive security arrangements have been concluded, particularly across Lagos Island where the festival will take place, adding that the Oba of Lagos has expressed satisfaction with the police conduct and commitment to safeguarding lives and property.
According to the police boss, an operational order for the festival has already been issued, following a series of strategic meetings with key members of the festival’s security committee, including the Akinolu of Lagos. As part of the measures, a full unit of Mobile Police Force (PMF) has been deployed to the Oba’s Palace—half from 63 PMF and half from 22 PMF—while an additional 30 security teams, including tactical squads, will be stationed around the palace and other festival venues.
CP Olohunde emphasised that the Eyo Festival is a celebration of peace, not violence, and urged Lagosians and visitors to comply strictly with all guidelines. He reiterated the directive of the Oba of Lagos that all festival activities must end by 6:00 pm, warning that the police will enforce the rule without hesitation.
To further boost public confidence, the Commissioner said the Command has embarked on confidence-building patrols involving senior officers, squadron commanders and tactical units across Lagos Island and beyond. He added that security operations will also cover Christmas celebrations, the coastal road recently opened by the Federal Government, and other parts of the state to prevent criminal activities.
Beyond Lagos Island, CP Olohunde assured residents of Ikorodu, Epe, Agbowa and other border communities of adequate security presence, with both conventional and tactical teams deployed to maintain peace. He disclosed that covert operations are ongoing to identify and flush out criminal elements, a strategy he said has contributed to the prevailing calm across the state.
The Commissioner warned that the Eyo Festival is strictly limited to Lagos Island, stressing that anyone found parading or disguising as Eyo in any other part of the state will be arrested, investigated and prosecuted. He urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements, assuring that the Command’s emergency helplines will be made available by the Police Public Relations Officer.
As Lagos prepares for the cultural spectacle and year-end festivities, CP OLOHUNDARE encouraged residents and visitors to come out without fear, participate freely and enjoy the rich heritage that the Eyo Festival represents, assuring that security operations will remain in force through the New Year 2026.