The historic Eyo Masquerade festival organised in Lagos to honour the late Alhaja (Dr) Abibatu Mogaji, former Iyaloja-General of Nigeria and mother of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, dazzled with colour, culture and prestige. Yet, amid the grandeur, the conspicuous absence of Hon. Adedamola Richard Kasunmu, Deputy Majority Leader of the Lagos State House of Assembly, became a subject of intense public discourse.
The festival, held on Saturday, 27 December 2025, at the Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), attracted an impressive assembly of dignitaries from across Nigeria and beyond. Traditional rulers, political leaders, captains of industry and cultural enthusiasts converged to celebrate the life and legacy of Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji, a woman widely regarded as a pillar of commerce, culture and political organisation in Lagos.Against this backdrop, Hon. Kasunmu’s absence stood out. As a grandson of the late Iyaloja-General and a prominent figure in Lagos politics, many had anticipated his presence at what has been described as one of the most significant cultural tributes in recent times.
His late mother, Mrs. Arafat Abiodun Kasunmu, was the younger sister of President Tinubu, further underscoring his close familial ties to the Mogaji-Tinubu lineage.In the absence of an official statement, speculation quickly surfaced in some quarters, with unsubstantiated claims of family discord circulating. However, sources familiar with the situation have firmly played down such narratives, stressing that Hon. Kasunmu’s non-attendance should not be misconstrued.According to insiders, the lawmaker was neither formally invited nor officially carried along in the planning of the event, a procedural oversight on the part of the organizers, many say may have led to his absence. They insist that Hon. Kasunmu holds his grandmother in the highest regard and would not deliberately stay away from a ceremony dedicated to celebrating her enduring legacy.Despite the side conversations, the Eyo festival itself unfolded as a majestic celebration of Lagos heritage.
The iconic Eyo masquerades, adorned in flowing white attire, moved gracefully across the arena, reenacting ancient traditions symbolic of the city’s rich cultural identity. Tributes highlighted Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji’s remarkable journey as a formidable market leader, a political mobiliser and a unifying force whose influence cut across generations.The roll call of attendees underscored the significance of the occasion. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was present, alongside Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his deputy, members of the Federal Executive Council, serving and former governors, principal officers of the National Assembly, Lagos lawmakers, the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, as well as notable traditional rulers, business leaders and market association heads.
It was indeed a celebration of a woman whose life and legacy remain deeply embedded in the political, economic and cultural history of Lagos State.Ultimately, the Eyo festival succeeded in reaffirming the towering influence of Alhaja (Dr) Abibatu Mogaji and other heroes of Lagos. When contacted to hear why he was conspicuously absent at his late Grandmother’s event, calls toHon. Kasunmu’s phone no returned unanswered.
