Lagos Unveils Towering Eyo Monument to Boost Cultural Tourism

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu officially commissioned the new Eyo Monument on Friday at the John Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History in Onikan, Lagos Island.

The unveiling comes just ahead of the highly anticipated Eyo Festival, scheduled for Saturday, December 27, 2025, for which the state government had already announced traffic diversions across Lagos Island.

Standing nearly 40 feet tall, the monument is described by the state government as a “powerful symbol of Lagos’ heritage.” A statement from Gboyega Akosile, the Governor’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, highlighted its role in boosting cultural tourism, serving both educational and economic purposes.

Speaking at the ceremony, Governor Sanwo-Olu emphasized that the monument captures the essence of Lagos’s unique culture and identity. He noted its strategic location within the John Randle Centre makes it “a fitting landmark for preserving and showcasing Yoruba art, history and tradition.”

The governor explained that the Eyo masquerade is a cultural icon that tells the story of Lagos to the world. He added that the new structure will serve as a major attraction where visitors can “learn, take photographs and share the history of the state.”

Sanwo-Olu stated that the project reinforces the government’s commitment to protecting cultural assets and positioning Lagos as a global hub for arts and heritage tourism. He praised the monument’s curator, Dotun Popoola, for his exceptional craftsmanship and intellectual depth, calling the work “a reflection of Nigerian creativity and excellence.”

The governor also highlighted the comprehensive cultural experience offered by the John Randle Centre, which features exhibition spaces, an amphitheater, a village square, and a gift shop designed to immerse visitors in Yoruba culture.

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In his remarks, Qudus Onikeku, CEO of the John Randle Centre, described the monument as a significant cultural achievement. He explained that the structure was intentionally designed to be interactive, allowing visitors to explore its interior, where “the story of Lagos, its communities and its history will be showcased through exhibitions and installations.”

Onikeku confirmed that the monument, which rests on a six-foot base, is the tallest of its kind in Lagos State. He also revealed plans for a documentary film that will chronicle the story of the monument, the Eyo tradition, and the broader cultural heritage of Lagos.

The curator, Dotun Popoola, added that the Eyo monument was conceived as a storytelling structure. He explained that visitors can climb inside to explore curated spaces and visual narratives that interpret the state’s cultural evolution and diverse history.