Lisabi Festival committee refutes claims of Egbaliganza takeover
The Lisabi Festival Committee has dismissed circulating online claims that the forthcoming 39th edition of the historic celebration is being repositioned as a platform for Egbaliganza, the cultural fashion initiative
The Lisabi Festival Committee has dismissed circulating online claims that the forthcoming 39th edition of the historic celebration is being repositioned as a platform for Egbaliganza, the cultural fashion initiative spearheaded by Chief Lai Labode, the Aare of Egbaland.
In a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by High Chief Rasheed Raji, the Asipa of Egbaland and Chairman of the Lisabi Festival Committee, the panel described a viral video alleging that the festival now centres on Egbaliganza as “entirely false and misleading.” He characterised the claim as a distortion of historical facts.
Raji reaffirmed that the Lisabi Festival remains an annual homage to Lisabi Agbongbo Akala, the 17th-century Egba warrior who led his people to freedom from the old Oyo Empire’s domination. He stressed that the festival’s enduring legacy is rooted in cultural remembrance and is not aligned with any commercial or fashion enterprise.
Advertisement
300x250
While acknowledging Egbaliganza as a commendable initiative promoting Egba fashion and enterprise under Chief Labode’s leadership, the committee maintained that both events are distinct in purpose and structure.
According to Raji, only about two hours within the week-long programme have been allocated for an Egbaliganza showcase of Egba attire. He described the segment as honorary and not intended to redefine or overshadow the festival’s historical focus.
The committee further announced that the 39th Lisabi Festival will hold from March 23 to 29, 2026, with the grand finale scheduled for March 28 in Abeokuta.
Read Also: FAMAA ’25: Lateef Adedimeji grateful as ‘Lisabi’ bags seven nominations
Raji noted that recent promotional materials from the Egbaliganza camp—highlighting international participation, royal presence, cultural parades and the global projection of Egba heritage—may have contributed to the public perception that the fashion brand is assuming a central role in the celebration.
Advertisement
300x250
He added that references on social media branding the event as “Lisabi Festival (Egbaliganza)” have further fuelled the misconception, a narrative the committee is now determined to correct.
"The firm response comes against the backdrop of lingering debate following Egbaliganza’s high-profile debut at the 2025 Lisabi festivities.
"While many praised the colourful fashion spectacle for injecting fresh vibrancy into the annual event, some traditional stakeholders quietly expressed concern that the growing glamour could dilute the festival’s spiritual and historical essence.
"Even some committee leaders were unequivocal in their closing message: 'We are celebrating our hero. We are celebrating our history. We are celebrating Lisabi.
"The statement ended with the traditional rallying cry, 'Egba Agbewa Ooo,' drawing a clear line that the Lisabi Festival remains, first and foremost, a solemn commemoration of Egba liberation and identity — not a fashion runway," he added.
Raji added that as preparations intensify ahead of the March celebration, attention across Egbaland and beyond would focus on whether ongoing dialogue eases the tension or whether the delicate balance between cultural heritage and high-style branding becomes the defining storyline of the 2026 festival.
