The Lagos State Government has announced significant temporary traffic diversions across key arterial roads, including sections of the iconic Third Mainland Bridge, ahead of the grand Eyo Festival scheduled for Saturday, December 27, 2025. These measures are designed to manage the expected influx of participants and spectators, ensuring public safety and the smooth conduct of the revered cultural celebration. Commuters traversing Lagos Island and its environs must prepare for considerable alterations to their usual routes during the festival period.
Central to the diversion plan are several critical points along the Third Mainland Bridge axes. Motorists will encounter closures at the bridge’s exit leading to Adeniji Adele Road, along with both inward and outward ramps of Adeniji Adele. Additionally, the route from Oyebanji Adeniji Adele inwards Third Mainland, specifically near the Church bus stop, will be temporarily inaccessible, necessitating careful navigation for those heading towards the island.
Further disruptions are anticipated around the Sura Junction, impacting traffic descending Simpson Bridge towards Sura from Osborne, and vice versa for those moving outward from Sura inward Osborne by Simpson Bridge. The outward Sura route inward Obalende bridge will also be affected, alongside the Third Mainland exit to Sura. In the Obalende axes, motorists will find diversions descending P&T from Obalende Bridge and descending Obalende Bridge inward Kam Salem, affecting this crucial government and commercial hub.
The bustling Idumota axes are also subject to significant changes, with diversions occurring from Idumota inward Iddo, immediately after the pedestrian bridge. Traffic ascending Carter Bridge by Iddo will face restrictions, as will the inward Ejalonibu from the Third Mainland end, near Odo Alagbafo. The exit of the Police Post into Odo Alagbafo Bridge is similarly impacted, requiring drivers to seek alternative passages through these typically congested areas.
To mitigate the impact on commuters, the state government has outlined several alternative routes for accessing Lagos Island. Motorists approaching from the Third Mainland Bridge can divert onto Dolphin Road, then proceed via Osborne Road, Alfred Rewane Road, and Falomo Bridge, ultimately connecting to Akin Adesola or the Lekki-Epe Expressway. Another viable option involves utilizing Eko Bridge, leading to Apongbon, CMS Bridge, Bonny Camp, Ozumba Mbadiwe Road, Law School, and finally the Lekki-Epe Expressway.
For those looking to exit Lagos Island, similarly clear alternative pathways have been provided. One recommended route involves taking the Lekki-Epe Expressway towards Victoria Island, then navigating via Falomo Bridge, Alfred Rewane Road, Osborne Road, and Dolphin Road, before rejoining the Third Mainland Bridge. An alternative exit strategy involves the Lekki-Epe Expressway leading to Law School, Ozumba Mbadiwe Road, Bonny Camp, CMS Bridge, and Apongbon, which then connects to Eko Bridge.
The Eyo Festival itself is a profound and deeply rooted traditional Yoruba celebration, held to honour departed kings, chiefs, and other notable personalities who have made significant contributions to the community. It represents a vital aspect of Lagos’s cultural identity, drawing participants and spectators from across Nigeria and beyond to witness its spectacle and spiritual significance. The festival is not merely a parade but a complex series of rituals and tributes.
A hallmark of the Eyo Festival is the mesmerizing display of white-robed Eyo masquerades, known as “Igbale Eyo,” each representing a specific ‘Iga’ or palace. These ethereal figures parade through the streets, accompanied by rhythmic drumming, traditional chants, and elaborate rituals, collectively showcasing the rich tapestry of Lagos’s cultural heritage. The vibrant spectacle transforms the city, offering a unique glimpse into ancient customs preserved through generations.
These extensive traffic diversions, while temporary, are expected to significantly impact daily commutes and commercial activities within Lagos Island and its connecting arteries. Authorities strongly advise residents, businesses, and visitors to plan their journeys well in advance, consider public transportation where feasible, and adhere strictly to all posted traffic signs and directives from law enforcement personnel. Real-time traffic updates are also expected to be disseminated closer to the festival date.
The Lagos State Government emphasizes that these measures are paramount for ensuring both the security of festival participants and the general public, while also facilitating the unhindered celebration of this significant cultural event. Officials are coordinating closely with various agencies to manage the flow of traffic and maintain order, underscoring the state’s commitment to upholding its heritage responsibly and safely for all involved.
