Picture of traditional eyo custume.

Date
2023
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Fct, Abuja: National Library of Nigeria, Headquarters
Abstract

Picture of traditional eyo custume.

Description
This is the picture of the traditional eyo custume. Eyo is usually held on a Saturday. Each Eyo comes out of an Iga (palace) of a ruling family in the morning and heads for the shrine (Agodo). It is robed from head to toe in white flowing cloth. The white flowing costume consists of an 'agbada' (the top robe), and the 'aropale' (the bottom wrap around). The word "Eyo" also refers to the costumed dancers, known as the masquerades that come out during the festival. The origins of this observance are found in the inner workings of the secret societies of Lagos. Back in the day, the Eyo festival was held to escort the soul of a departed Lagos King or Chief and to usher in a new king. On Eyo Day, the main highway in the heart of the city (from the end of Carter Bridge to Tinubu Square) is closed to traffic, allowing for procession from Idumota to the Iga Idunganran palace. The white-clad Eyo masquerades represent the spirits of the dead, and are referred to in Yoruba as "agogoro Eyo" (literally: "tall Eyo").
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