Egba indigenes storm Abeokuta for grand finale of 39th Lisabi Festival
By Folashade Olorunfemi –
The Egba people of Ogun State gathered at the Ake Palace grounds on Saturday for the grand finale of the 39th Lisabi Festival, concluding a week-long celebration that began on March 23.
The annual festival honours Lisabi Agbongbo Akala, the 18th-century warrior who led the Egba revolt against the Oyo Empire and secured the people’s independence. Festivities included traditional homage-paying rites, warrior-themed reenactments, drumming, and colourful dance parades.
Hosted under the authority of the Alake of Egbaland, the event brought together all Egba subgroups — Ake, Oke-Ona, Gbagura, and Owu — showcasing unity and a shared cultural identity.
Saturday’s grand finale also featured Egbaliganza, a cultural fashion showcase championed by the Aare of Egbaland, Chief Lai Labode, highlighting Egba attire and local enterprise. Coordinated outfits incorporating Abeokuta’s iconic Adire fabric dominated the fashion displays.
The Lisabi Festival Committee had earlier clarified that Egbaliganza occupies a two-hour slot within the week-long programme and does not change the festival’s historical focus on Lisabi’s legacy.
The festival also served as a homecoming for Egba indigenes from the diaspora, with political leaders, business figures, and cultural influencers in attendance.
Local trade and street activity surged across Abeokuta throughout the week, while security was heightened around key venues to ensure smooth proceedings.
