Egba People Celebrate Grand Finale of 39th Lisabi Festival

The historic Ake Palace grounds in Abeokuta were filled with colour and excitement on Saturday as the Egba people celebrated the grand finale of the 39th Lisabi Festival.

The week-long event, which began on March 23, honours Lisabi Agbongbo Akala. He was the famous 18th-century warrior who led the Egba people to independence from the Oyo Empire.

The festival brought all Egba groups, Ake, Oke-Ona, Gbagura, and Owu, together under the leadership of the Alake of Egbaland. The celebration featured traditional drumming, warrior displays, and lively dance parades showcasing the rich culture of the Egba people.

A major highlight of the final day was the “Egbaliganza,” a special fashion show led by Chief Lai Labode. The event focused on traditional Egba clothing, especially the famous Adire fabric, to help promote local businesses and fashion.

The festival also served as a homecoming for Egba indigenes living abroad.