Eyo is coming to Lagos — not in its fleeting festival form but as a permanent, breathtaking sculpture that will soon rise at the newly revitalized J.Randle Centre for Yorùbá Culture and History. This bold artistic installation will not only honor the timeless spirit of Lagos' cultural heritage but also signal a fresh chapter in how we celebrate tradition, identity, and urban storytelling.
Eyo, often called the "Adimu Orisha Play," is deeply rooted in Yoruba culture, typically paraded during special occasions in Lagos to honor the departed or welcome distinguished guests. With its flowing white robe and tall hat (Aga), the Eyo masquerade is one of the most iconic and dignified symbols of Lagos Island — mysterious, sacred, and stunning to behold. Now, this emblem of Lagos will be immortalized in sculpture, offering both locals and visitors a daily connection to the grandeur of Yoruba history.
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What makes this sculpture even more fascinating is the creative process behind it. Artists have chosen to incorporate Yoruba motifs as ornamental features, carefully engraved and etched into the surface of the sculpture. These motifs aren’t just aesthetic elements — they are centuries-old visual symbols of status, wisdom, unity, and spiritual continuity. Each motif tells a story, and together they weave a larger tapestry that honors the depth and dignity of Yoruba cosmology. Before the sculpture is finally coated in marine-grade paint — designed to endure the tropical Lagos climate — these motifs are treated like precious markings. The marine paint itself is not just about protection; it’s symbolic. It reflects Lagos’ identity as a coastal city, vibrant and weathered, where tradition and modernity meet at the ocean’s edge.
The J.Randle Centre for Yorùbá Culture and History, once a public swimming pool complex, is undergoing a massive transformation into a hub for culture, tourism, and creativity. With the Eyo sculpture standing tall in its courtyard, the Centre becomes more than a building — it becomes a living archive of Lagos’ past, present, and future. This installation wouldn’t be possible without the visionary leadership of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, whose administration has consistently championed arts and culture as a pillar of community development. Equally deserving of praise are the good people of Lagos, whose open embrace of heritage, innovation, and public art has made this dream a reality. Their trust has powered this project from concept to creation.
And let’s be honest — the unveiling is going to be a movie. The kind of cinematic moment that will stop traffic, break timelines, and spark conversation. The commissioning promises to be a gathering of Lagos' best culture custodians, artists, storytellers, and everyday people whose lives are touched by the rhythm of Eyo drums and the whispers of ancestral memory. This is more than a sculpture. It’s a monument to resilience, a testament to beauty, and a symbol of pride. It brings Eyo from the parade into permanence, reminding every passerby that heritage is not a thing of the past — it lives, it breathes, and now, it stands. As we count down to the unveiling, keep your eyes on the J.Randle Centre for Yorùbá Culture and History. A story is being carved in steel and spirit, and Lagos is ready for the world to see. Stay tuned.
