Lagos backs 2025 Olókun World Festival, unveils new cultural landmark
The Lagos State Government has expressed strong support for the 2025 Olókun World Festival, joining organisers and participants to celebrate Yoruba heritage, spirituality, and cultural unity.
Held on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, the festival featured the unveiling of Kakanfo Fálọlá Beachside, a new cultural and tourism hub along the Badagry Expressway near the Seme Border. The landmark event attracted over 100,000 participants, including devotees, traditional leaders, and visitors from across Nigeria and the global diaspora.
Representing the state government, Mr. Idowu Johnson, CEO of the Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture, reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to promoting and preserving indigenous traditions. “Culture is our soul, while heritage is our compass,” he said, adding that Lagos, under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, continues to lead in preserving and protecting cultural identity.
Johnson noted that in the vibrant tapestry of Lagos, culture is not a relic of the past but a living force that fosters unity, strengthens identity, and drives innovation.
Also speaking, Iba Gani Adams, the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, disclosed that the relocation of the festival to the new beachside venue was strategic, providing a scenic and expansive setting for rituals, performances, and exhibitions.
He announced plans for the Olókun Beach Resort, a project under development to promote cultural tourism and position Lagos as a leading destination in Africa. “Culture drives tourism,” Adams said, emphasising its role in economic and social growth.
The resort will feature international-standard facilities for worshippers, cultural enthusiasts, and global visitors, serving as a hub for celebration, reflection, and exchange.
The event was attended by top dignitaries, including Oba De-Wheno Aholu Toyi I, the Akran of Badagry, alongside more than 30 traditional rulers and cultural custodians from across Nigeria and the diaspora.
