The eyo masquerades are seen typically during an eyo festival, a week long activities to escort a departed Lagos king into the great beyond and usher new ones.

Adorned in loose, all-covering white gowns, veiled masks, brimmed hats (with colours red, yellow, black, purple, green suggesting the house or conclave they come from) and a staff (the opambata) with which they bless or rebuke with.

In recent times, the scope of the festival has been broadened to include celebration of highly notable and significant individuals and events.

The last celebration of such festival was in 2017 to mark Lagos 50th anniversary (Akinwunmi Ambode administration).

The eyo masquerades are known to dance amidst drumming and singing as they match through the streets in procession.

Their are several songs, chants and recitations done either to celebrate or imitate the masquerades. Growing up in Lagos you would at least know this one:

Eyo o ayele eyo o/
Eyo baba t'awa, to n fi goolu sere/
Awa oni sanwo onibode, odile!

So what do you know about the eyo masquerades or the festival. Do you know any of the songs or recitations, kindly share here.

So I did an article on Eyo and thought to share it. Check it out here https://thebeatbureau.com/african/eyo-masquerades/ to see it in detail.