Afrobeats superstar Asake has deepened his connection to his heritage, receiving a prestigious cultural title in his hometown ahead of the iconic Eyo Festival in Lagos. The singer, whose real name is Ahmed Ololade, was honoured as 'Olu Omo Eyo Oniko' following a heartfelt visit to his old neighbourhood on Lagos Island.
A Viral Homecoming in White Regalia
Fresh from a series of symbolic visits that included his alma mater, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), and the palace of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Asake's return to Lagos Island became a cultural spectacle. A video that quickly went viral captured the award-winning artiste fully clad in the iconic white flowing attire of the Eyo masquerade, dancing effortlessly to traditional drums alongside worshippers.
The event, which took place ahead of the forthcoming Eyo Festival scheduled for Saturday, December 27, at Tafawa Balewa Square, showed Asake completely at ease, blending his modern stardom with age-old Yoruba traditions. His joyful participation drew cheers from the community, highlighting a proud homecoming.
The Conferment of a Cherished Title
In recognition of his global impact and unwavering loyalty to his origins, community leaders formally conferred the title 'Olu Omo Eyo Oniko' upon the 'Lonely at the Top' crooner. This gesture is seen as a significant cultural endorsement, cementing his status as a true son of the soil. The title acknowledges not just his fame, but his respect for and participation in the traditions that shaped him.
This cultural chapter adds to Asake's memorable holiday season in Nigeria, following months of international tours. His deliberate steps to engage with his roots—from the Ooni's palace to OAU and now Lagos Island—have been widely celebrated as a masterclass in maintaining local intimacy amid global success.
Social Media Erupts with Praise
Fans and social media users have flooded platforms with reactions to Asake's cultural display and new title. Many praised his genuine connection to his upbringing.
@OmoGuinny captured the local sentiment, writing: "Yall can’t understand unless you grew up at Lagos island, the joy of Eyo is ain’t joke oooo."
@the_yaquari highlighted the strategic brilliance: "Whoever is guiding Asake’s brand deserves real credit. He’s gone global without losing local intimacy. That balance is rare and very deliberate."
Others, like @bnxnnotrealbuju, expressed expectations for community generosity, while many simply noted the singer's evident joy, with @Wabisabi_MMM commenting: "He’s always smiling in these videos man, happiness wan kill am."
This celebratory moment stands in contrast to a earlier tragic event associated with the singer, where a lady reportedly died in a stampede at his sold-out concert in Kenya. The recent events in Lagos, however, underscore a narrative of cultural reconnection and honour for the globally celebrated artist.
