Eko a ke te: {LAGOS}

Lagos is an urban complex that embodies tremendous contrasts. As the former national

capital and the major port of the largest Economy in Africa, it is a powerful magnet for

migrants from all over Nigeria. The rapid urban growth which Nigeria has experienced is well manifested in Lagos, the major parts of which are the product of modern economic, social and political forces in interaction with traditional culture which was the factor that distinguished life in the city from that in the countryside.Consequent upon that, the vast majority of salaried jobs, the increased opportunity to connect with the rich and powerful, opportunity for great varieties of informal sector business enterprises, and the excitement of night life that was non-existent in most rural areas, were some of the factors that made the city lively and attractive. The pull into

Lagos State became increasingly phenomenal that the State has become legendary for its congestion and other urban problems.

Brief History

At the end of the 18th century, Lagos became the first slavery port in West Africa.

From the 19th century onward, like many other port cities in Africa, it was increasingly involved in the circulation of people, goods, ideas and technologies. By the 20th century, Lagos had become the main port of the most populous African

country and was the federal capital of Nigeria from 1914 to 1991. Today, the city

of Lagos boasts a concentration of capital assets, trading companies and public

investments, a large bureaucracy and a transnational political, intellectual and

religious elite. Since the 19th century, in fact, Lagos has been at the forefront of new

cultural and social practices in Nigeria, despite Abuja (the new federal capital since

1991) and Port Harcourt (the oil capital in the Niger Delta) having recently acquired

increasing influence. Lagos has been shaped both by its national history as the federal capital and by remaining at the centre of political opposition to colonial rule (from 1920 to 1960), to military and civilian regimes (from 1966 to 1999) and to the current ruling party (from 1999 to 2008). This history has deeply influenced the way the city is governed, in particular in an international context.

Brief History of Eyo festival

Adamu Orisa was introduced to Lagos by Ejilu and Malaki brothers to Olugbani, the Olori to Oba Ado. Oba Ado was the first ruler of Lagos to have his seat of government at Iga Iduganran.

One source stated that Ejilu and Malaki first visited Lagos during the funeral of Oba Ado and as their contribution to the funeral, they brought their set of Adamu Orisas (that is, Adamu, Oniko and Ologeda) to take part in the funeral rites.

The Eyo festival also known as the Adamu Orisa play is a Yoruba festival indigenous to Lagos Nigeria . In ancient times it was held to escort souls of the departed,the King of Lagos or Chief and also to usher in a new King .It is now being observed as a tourist event and it is traditionally performed in Lagos .

Eyo festival and its Socio Cultural symbolism being rooted in the tradition and custom of the people of Lagos has become one of the foremost Festivals in Nigeria and it is also the cultural monument of Lagos .The elegance and theatretical display of the festival thrills those in attendance , it also contributes Economically to its local communities.