Lisabi Festival: Culture, glamour on display at ‘Ègbáliganza’
Lisabi Festival: Culture, glamour on display at ‘Ègbáliganza’
*Dignitaries gather to celebrate.
Abeokuta, the ancient city cuddled in the heart of Ogun State, pulsed with renewed energy last weekend as it played host to the 2025 edition of the Lisabi Festival, themed ‘Ègbáliganza’.
More than a celebration, the festival was a stylish statement of identity, pride, and economic possibility.
At the heart of Ègbáliganza is Lisabi Agbongbo Akala, who is said to be a fearless Egba warrior that led a legendary revolt against the oppressive Oyo Empire in the 18th century.
As the festival began, the venue buzzed with pride and purpose, and guests from around the globe converged to honour the past while dressing for the future. From food vendors to textile merchants, cultural troupes and fashion stylists, the event showcased the best of Egba’s vibrant heritage.
The 2025 edition made a strong case, turning the festival grounds into what could easily rival a Paris runway.
Men arrived draped in elaborately embroidered agbadas, their flowing robes echoing the regal confidence of kings. Women stunned in adire and aso-oke, wrapped in layers of vibrant iro and buba, their geles tied in gravity-defying swirls of elegance.
One of the showstoppers of the day was former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who was on hand dressed in full Egba attire.
Draped in a lemon-orange adire, with a lime green fila falling stylishly over his shoulder, and a brown fur-like shawl perched like royalty, OBJ turned tradition into trend. His appearance was a blend of stately nostalgia and swagger, which many guests applauded.
Another highlight was the call for innovation by Ogun lawmaker, Wasiu Ayodele, popularly known as Iwa, as he urged Egba youth to step into their roles as cultural custodians.
He said, “The future of Egba culture lies in the hands of our youth. By actively participating in cultural events and promoting our traditions, we are ensuring that the Egba legacy remains strong and proud.”
Guests at the event include Governor Dapo Abiodun; former governors—Olusegun Osoba and Ibikunle Amosun; Minister of Communications, Bosun Tijani; Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo; actor, Richard Mofe-Damijo; and the Chief Operating Officer of Nigeria Rugby Federation, Tunde Delu.
According to Lai Labode, the Osi Apagun of Egbaland and the visionary behind the revamped celebration, Ègbáliganza is not just about showcasing style, but about creating sustainable opportunities through fashion and enterprise.
