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| Photo shows l-r: Special Adviser to the Governor on Tourism, Arts & Culture, Mr. Idris Aregbe; HRH Erelu Abiola Dosunmu; Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso; Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Visual Artist, Dotun Popoola; Commissioner for Tourism, Arts & Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka; Deputy Chief of Staff, Mr. Sam Eugbe; Centre Director, J Randle Centre, Qudus Onikeku and Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs, and Rural Development, Mr. Bolaji Kayode Robert during the official unveiling of the Eyo Monument at the J.Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History, Onikan, on Friday, 26 December 2025. |
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu commissioned the striking 40-foot Eyo Monument on Friday, December 26, 2026, at the John Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History in Onikan, Lagos Island.
The towering symbol stands as a vibrant emblem of Lagos’ rich heritage, supercharging the state’s cultural tourism efforts. It promises to educate visitors while fueling economic growth and cultural preservation.
During the ceremony, Governor Sanwo-Olu hailed the monument as the “essence of Lagos’ culture and identity.” Perfectly positioned at the John Randle Centre, it spotlights Yoruba art, history, and traditions for generations to come.
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, the governor emphasized how the Eyo - Lagos’ iconic cultural mascot - shares the city’s story with the world. The site will draw crowds for immersive learning, stunning photos, and unforgettable shares that amplify state pride.
He disclosed that the installation of the Eyo monument reinforces Lagos’ commitment to protecting its cultural assets while positioning the State as a global destination for arts and heritage tourism.
The governor commended the curator of the monument, Dotun Popoola, for his craftsmanship and intellectual depth, describing the work as a reflection of Nigerian creativity and excellence. He noted that the project demonstrates how indigenous talent can be harnessed to interpret and preserve history through art.
He said the John Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History offers a complete cultural experience, with facilities including exhibition spaces, an amphitheatre, a village square, a gift shop and other creative activations designed to immerse visitors in Yoruba culture.
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| The Eyo Monument at the J.Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History, Onikan. |
Governor Sanwo-Olu, while acknowledging the support of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, stakeholders and traditional institutions, particularly the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, said the collaboration between government, cultural institutions and traditional authorities is essential for sustaining Lagos’ rich cultural legacy.
Speaking earlier, the Chief Executive Officer of the John Randle Centre for Yorùbá Culture and History, Qudus Onikeku, described the Eyo monument as a major cultural achievement for Lagos.
He said the structure was intentionally designed to allow visitors to explore its interior, where the story of Lagos, its communities and its history will be showcased through exhibitions and installations.
Onikeku noted that the monument, created by curator and renowned Nigerian artist, Dotun Popoola, stands on a six-foot base and rises to almost 40 feet, making it the tallest of its kind in Lagos State.
He disclosed that plans are underway to produce a documentary film chronicling the story of the monument, the Eyo tradition and the broader cultural heritage of Lagos, adding that the project will deepen public engagement with the state’s history.
Also speaking, the curator, Dotun Popoola, said the Eyo monument was conceived as a storytelling structure that reflects the diverse areas and historical journey of Lagos.
He explained that visitors will be able to climb into the monument to explore curated spaces and visual narratives that interpret the state’s cultural evolution.
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