The organisers of the 39th edition of the historic Lisabi Festival have firmly dismissed claims that the celebration is being rebranded around the cultural fashion initiative known as Egbaliganza.
The festival, held annually in Abeokuta, honours the legendary Egba warrior Lisabi Agbongbo Akala, who led a revolt against the old Oyo Empire and secured the independence of the Egba people.
In a statement signed by the Asipa of Egbaland and Chairman of the Festival Committee, Rasheed Raji, the committee described viral online reports suggesting the festival now revolves around Egbaliganza as “false, misleading, and a distortion of historical truth.”
‘Festival Remains a Sacred Homage’
Raji stressed that the Lisabi Festival remains a solemn annual commemoration of Egba heritage and liberation, not a commercial or fashion-driven event.
While acknowledging Egbaliganza—an Egba cultural fashion initiative championed by the Aare of Egbaland, Lai Labode—as a commendable platform promoting local enterprise and attire, the committee maintained that both initiatives are separate and distinct.
According to him, only about two hours within the week-long festival programme have been allocated to an Egbaliganza showcase, describing it as an honorary segment that will not redefine or overshadow the core historical focus of the celebration.
Debate Over Growing Glamour
The clarification follows heightened debate after Egbaliganza’s colourful debut at the 2025 festival, which drew significant attention for its fashion displays, royal appearances, and international participation.
While many praised the initiative for adding vibrancy and global appeal, some traditional stakeholders expressed concern that the glamour could dilute the spiritual and historical essence of the festival.
Recent promotional materials and social media references branding the event as “Lisabi Festival (Egbaliganza)” further fuelled the controversy—an interpretation the committee has now moved to correct.
2026 Dates Confirmed
The 39th Lisabi Festival is scheduled to run from March 23 to 29, 2026, with the grand finale set for March 28 in Abeokuta.
Reaffirming the festival’s purpose, Raji concluded with a strong message:
“We are celebrating our hero. We are celebrating our history. We are celebrating Lisabi.”
With the traditional rallying cry, “Egba Agbewa Ooo,” the committee underscored that the Lisabi Festival remains, first and foremost, a celebration of Egba identity, heritage, and freedom.
