ADIMU ORISA

   The Eyo festival also known as the Adimu Orisa Play, Which has been existing since the days of old and probably dates back much further than most Lagosians can ever  remember.
The first procession in Lagos was on the 20th of February, 1854, to commemorate the life of Oba Akintoye,the main highway in the heart of the city (from the end of Carter Bridge to Tinubu Square) is closed to traffic, allowing for procession from Idumota to the Iga Idunganran palace. The white-clad Eyo masquerades represent the spirits of the dead, and are referred to in Yoruba as "agogoro Eyo" (literally: "tall Eyo")

 
    According to historians, the earliest documented show dates back to the 19th century when the first festival was staged at Oke Ipa, today's lagoon end of Glover Road area in Ikoyi.
Oke Ipa was where the Obas (kings) of Lagos, their titled chiefs, elders and important dignitaries came to from their homes and palaces, sometimes a three day journey by foot, to watch the Eyo play.
It soon became a cultural display of splendour and though the purpose of staging the festival has been slightly modified over the centuries - culturally staged in memory of a departed Oba of Lagos or for the enthronement of a new one.
More recently, it is also staged in memory of eminent Lagosians who recently passed on, or to commemorate visits by State and foreign dignitaries with a parade that terminates at the Tafawa Balewa Square in Lagos Island.

    Each Eyo comes out of an Iga (palace) of a ruling family in the morning and heads for the shrine (Agodo). It is robed from head to toe in white flowing cloth. The white flowing costume consists of an ‘agbada’ (the top robe), and the ‘aropale’ (the bottom wrap around). No part of the person carrying the Eyo is expected to be seen. The Eyo also wears an ‘Akete’ a hat that bears the colours and shield of the Iga from which he comes. An Eyo may tie ribbons, in the colours of the house that he represents, has different design of Opambata (palm branch) . An Iga’s Eyo may have up to 50 to 100 or more members.

   The only Eyo that is not part of a group is the most senior, Eyo-Adimu Orisa. Only a very old and spiritually advanced male to be the Adimu. It is the last Eyo to leave the “agodo.” In terms of hierarchy, Unlike the other groups, there is only one Adimu and he wears a black hat. On a chosen Sunday, the Orisa Adimu (spirit of Adimu) will emerge with his staff in public. This means that it is official that the festival will take place coming Saturday. The rest of the Big 5: Làbà (red hat), Ónikó (yellow), Ọlọgẹdẹ (green), and Ageré (purple) will also go public from Monday to Thursday in that other.
     The Eyo, when it encounters people, greets them with the phrase, “E sunrunkunrun, we ma jagbon die!” meaning, “Don’t fear anything, have a taste of the palm tree,” and taps the individual on the shoulders with the “opambata.” When he is given money, he will pray for the person and recite the praise song of his Iga. The phrase, “e sunrunkunrun, we ma jagbon die!” in the Ijebu dialect. It was rendered as a wedding present when the Oba of Lagos married an Ijebu princess.

      However, it is a taboo to either wear the Eyo costume overnight or cross any body of water, such as the Lagoon Rivers and so on. Subsequently, this festival has come to be anticipated by Lagosians, non-Lagosians and the International Community. It is organized under the auspices of the Yoruba tradition, as well as social organizations or clubs. Since it can be organized for special occasions apart from the death of prominent chiefs, elders, or installation of a new Oba, it is used to showcase the culture of the Isale Eko people and entertain at special state functions or occasions.