The Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo – Olu, on Friday commissioned the Eyo Monument at the John Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History, in the Onikan area of Lagos Island.
He described the nearly 40 – foot – high Eyo monument as a powerful symbol of Lagos’ heritage and a major boost to the state’s cultural tourism drive, which will serve both educational and tourism purposes and contribute to economic and cultural development of the state.
According to a statement issued by Gboyega Akosile his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity disclosed that Governor Sanwo – Olu who spoke at the Commissioning Celebration said the monument represents the essence of Lagos culture and identify, noted that its location within the John Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History, Onikan, makes it a befitting landmark for preserving and showcasing Yoruba art, history and tradition.
Governor Sanwo – Olu, who noted the Eyo as a cultural symbol tells the story of Lagos to the world, said the newly commissioned monument will serve as a unique attraction on where visitors can learn, take photographs and share the history of the State.
He disclosed in the statement 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.
Governor Sanwo – Olu 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 noting 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.
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 the government, cultural institutions and traditional authorities is essential for sustaining Lagos’ rich cultural legacy..
Chief Executive Officer of the John Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History, Qudus Onikeku, who spoke earlier 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 stated that the monument, created by curator and renowned artist, Dotun Popoola, stands on a six – foot – base and almost 40 feet, making it the tallest of its kind in Lagos.
He disclosed that plans are underway, to produce a documentary film chronicling the story of the monument, the Eyo tradition and broader cultural heritage of Lagos, adding that the project will deepen public engagement with the state’s history.
The curator, Dotun Popoola who spoke at the event 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 able to climb into the monument to explore curated spaces and visual narratives that interpret the state’s cultural evolution.
