By Peter Dansu As Lagos prepares to witness the colourful return of the historic Ẹyọ Festival, a prominent son of the soil, Ayanrinno Danie...
By Peter Dansu
As Lagos prepares to witness the colourful return of the historic Ẹyọ Festival, a prominent son of the soil, Ayanrinno Daniel Nupo, has called for renewed respect, structure and discipline in the preservation of the state’s cultural heritage.
In a strongly worded message released as the festival commenced, Nupo reminded Lagosians that culture is far more than spectacle or entertainment. According to him, traditions such as the Ẹyọ Festival represent the soul of Lagos, carrying centuries of values, history and identity passed down from one generation to another.
He cautioned against the growing tendency to treat sacred cultural symbols as trends or tools for clout, stressing that heritage must be handled with reverence and responsibility. He noted that when anyone can freely wear the Ẹyọ regalia without proper cultural authority or understanding, the essence of the tradition is gradually eroded.
“Our heritage is not a costume. It is our identity and collective memory,” he said. “Culture without order loses its meaning, and history without protection becomes distorted.”
While acknowledging the joy and pride the festival brings to true Lagosians, Nupo expressed concern over the misuse of sacred symbols and the growing cases of disorder associated with cultural celebrations. He warned that traditions meant to unite the people and honour their heroes must never become cover for misconduct.
As the state prepares to celebrate the 2025 edition of the Ẹyọ Festival in honour of notable figures such as Abibatu Mogaji, Mobolaji Johnson, Lateef Jakande and Michael Otedola, with dignitaries including Oba Rilwan Babatunde Aremu Akiolu and Governor Babajide Sanwo Olu expected to grace the occasion, Nupo said the moment calls for more than festivities.
He urged the Lagos State House of Assembly to take decisive steps by enacting a cultural preservation law that will protect indigenous traditions like the Ẹyọ Festival from abuse, impersonation and misuse.
According to him, cultural heritage deserves the same level of protection as any other valuable legacy of the state.
Drawing parallels with his Badagry roots, Nupo pointed to the Zangbeto tradition as an example of how culture should be preserved. He noted that in Badagry, no one can wear the Zangbeto attire or claim affiliation without proper lineage and cultural authority, a practice that has helped preserve its authenticity over the years.
“This is the level of respect and discipline our heritage requires,” he said. “It is how culture survives and remains meaningful across generations.”
He concluded by calling on Lagosians to collectively protect their heritage, stressing that culture must be safeguarded with understanding, responsibility and reverence so it can continue to inspire pride, unity and identity for generations yet unborn.
Ayanrinno Daniel Nupo is a cultural advocate, a Lagosian from Badagry
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