Pix From Left; Dr Mrs Oluremi Runsewe, Vice Chairman Iperu Akesan Eyo Heritage Carnival 2026; Omooba Taiwo Owokalade, Chairman, Iperu Akesan Eyo Heritage Carnival 2026; Mr Awoyemi Taiwo, Asst Secretary, Iperu Akesan Eyo Heritage Carnival 2026; and Mr Akinbowale Azeez, Media Head Eyo Carnival 2026; During the Press Conference on the Forthcoming Iperu Akesan Eyo Heritage Carnival 2026, Theme” Preserving Culture, Promoting Unity” Held on Monday, At PRIMAL TEK PLAZA,
63/65, Egbeda , Lagos.

Iperu-Remo in Ogun State is the recognised place of origin for the Eyo masquerade (Adamu Orisha), which was brought to Lagos as a wedding gift to a royal in-law.

The “Eyo Carnival Iperu 2026” is scheduled for April 25, 2026, showcasing traditional 14 Igas (lineages) like Pakerike and Odoru to celebrate the town’s heritage.

The People of Iperu-Remo, a town in Ikenne Local Government Area of Ogun State, where Eyo is originated from are set to host Eyo Carnival as root and source to Eyo heritage in Nigeria.

According to the Eyo Iperu Carnival Committee, Eyo was a unique and distinct person that the people used to call “akanda eniyan”.

Its Chairman, Omooba Taiwo Gbenga Owokalade, says the man Eyo’s uniqueness and distinctiveness nature emanated not only from his ways of life but also the aura that surrounded him, from a very little beginning, the Eyo name and brand has become a global brand.

Owokalade states that for the people of Iperu, aside from letting the historical narrative be truthfully stated that Iperu is the cradle of Eyo, their primary focus is to use the celebration to showcase the rich cultural heritage and to also drive tourism.

He made this known at a News briefing to announce the forthcoming Eyo Carnival Iperu 2026, scheduled for 25th April, 2026 at Christ Apostolic Grammar School Field, Iperu Remo, Ogun State.

Owokalade said the Eyo Carnival will be hosted by Governor Dapo Abiodun and Chaired by Oba (Dr) Olusegun Ogunye, Ojotumoro of Abigi, Waterside. 

During the event, he said they would recognise some individuals who have played great role in the town’s cultural and developmental growth.

These are; Chief Olu Awotesu, a minister under the government of Alhaji Shehu Shagari, Alhaji Amusa Taiwo, a one-time chairman of Mushin Local Government during the regime of Alhaji Kayode Jakande, Dr. Mrs. Joke Sofowora, Chief Olusesan Ogunjembola, Alh. Kamorudeen Ariyo, Alh. Mufutau Oduwaye, Asiwaju Segun Lukman, Yeye Kehinde Osinowo, and Hon. Wale Oyekoya.

The Eyo Festival, otherwise known as the Adamu Orisha Play, is a Yoruba festival unique to Lagos, Nigeria and has a strong historical footing in Iperu-Remo, a town in Ikenne Local Government, Ogun State. 

As preparations intensify for the much anticipated Eyo Carnival Iperu 2026, the Planning Committee is pleased to officially present the list of registered Igas that will participate in this year Eyo grand procession.

This year’s carnival promises to be a remarkable cultural showcase, aimed at preserving, promoting, and projecting the rich heritage of the Eyo tradition in Iperu, while also telling the authentic story of its origin and historical significance in Nigeria.

This is not just any carnival; it is a celebration of our rich culture, vibrant traditions, and the spirit of our community.

The procession of the Igas remains a central and symbolic feature of the Eyo spectacle, reflecting lineage, honor, and cultural identity.

The public is hereby encouraged to prepare for an unforgettable cultural experience, calling on all sons and daughters of Iperu Akesan land, the entire Remo communities, and tourism enthusiasts and lovers of culture across Nigeria and beyond to actively participate in this historic event.

Below is the official list of the 14 registered Igas for the 2026 Eyo Carnival procession in Iperu:
1. Iga Pakerike
2. Iga Odoru
3. Iga Agbonmagbe
4. Iga Fibigbuwa
5. Iga Mogunshen Amororo
6. Iga Imeji
7. Iga Agbehinsha
8. Iga Iregun
9. Iga Olotu Erelu
10. Iga Amororo
11. Iga Balogun Adebutu
12. Iga Oba Moibi Akinsanya
13. Iga Jalugba
14. Iga Sosan

This year’s Eyo procession is set to be a vibrant convergence of tradition, culture, unity, and pride, as each Iga brings its unique identity and historical relevance to spotlight.

Come and witness history. Come and celebrate culture. Come and be part of Eyo Carnival Iperu 2026.

Meanwhile, the Committee said before the end of the year, they intend to release a documentary on the Eyo Project.