Egba people mark historic legacy at 39th Lisabi Festival grand finale
The Egba people of Ogun State on Saturday converged on the Ake Palace grounds in Abeokuta for the grand finale of the 39th Lisabi Festival, bringing to a close a week-long celebration that began on March 23.
The annual festival is held in honour of Lisabi Agbongbo Akala, the legendary warrior who led the Egba people in a revolt against the Oyo Empire in the 18th century, securing their independence and shaping the course of their history.
Activities throughout the week reflected the rich cultural heritage of the Egba people, featuring traditional homage-paying rites, warrior-themed reenactments, rhythmic drumming, and vibrant dance parades that drew participants and spectators from across the region.
A key highlight of the grand finale was the Egbaliganza showcase, a cultural fashion initiative championed by the Aare of Egbaland, Chief Lai Labode. The showcase spotlighted Egba attire, creativity, and local enterprise, adding a modern cultural expression to the historic festival.
However, the Lisabi Festival Committee had earlier clarified that Egbaliganza occupies only a two-hour slot within the broader programme and does not redefine the festival’s core historical and cultural focus.
The event once again underscored the enduring pride of the Egba people in their ancestry, resilience, and cultural identity, while reinforcing the legacy of Lisabi as a symbol of unity and resistance.
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