Do You Know the Different Types of Eyo That Exist and What Each Represents?

The Eyo Festival of Lagos, often called the Adamu Orisha Play, is one of Nigeria’s most iconic cultural displays, a celebration that honors departed kings and chiefs while blending performance, ritual, and symbolism. Central to this festival are the Eyo masqueraders, each distinguished by the colour of their cap (Akete), their role in the procession, and the spiritual significance they carry. The colours are not merely decorative; they communicate hierarchy, duty, and messages from the spirit world.

Eyo Ologede is represented by green, symbolising the banana tree. Known as the Eyo of peace and growth, it embodies life, prosperity, and balance, blessing both the land and attendees. Legend holds that disturbing their path can invite forest spirits to follow one home.

Eyo Adimu, is the highest-ranking and most spiritually revered Eyo. It represents death, silence, and spiritual transition. Feared and sacred, the Adimu connects the living with the spiritual world, underscoring the festival’s role in honoring ancestors.

Eyo Angere, wearing purple, is the royal Eyo and the entertainer of the procession. Symbolising power, prestige, and royalty, this Eyo appears only during transitions involving kings, chiefs, or nobles.

Eyo Laba dons red and functions as the messenger and enforcer within the procession. Representing authority, protection, and discipline, the red cap serves as a warning, ensuring that rituals and traditional rules are respected.

Eyo Oniko, dressed in yellow, symbolises the raffia palm and serves as a guide between the living and the spirit world. Ranked third among the senior Eyo orishas, it represents direction and vigilance, ensuring the festival proceeds in harmony with tradition.

Each Eyo type is a living symbol of Lagos traditions, a vibrant embodiment of cultural preservation, spiritual connection, and societal order. The festival reminds us that beyond spectacle, the colours, movements, and hierarchy of the Eyo procession carry centuries of meaning, keeping history, spirituality, and community alive in every step.