Prominent sons and daughters of Egbaland who converged on Mokola, in Abeokuta, to celebrate the 37th Lisabi Festival and honour the late Otun of Egbaland, Chief Tairu Braimoh Olaleye, as the Hero of the Year have emphasised the significance of the festival in uniting the people and promoting selflessness and leadership qualities .
The Alake and paramount ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, while speaking about the rich heritage of the Egba people pointed out that the significance of Lisabi Festival cannot be over emphasized.
The monarch, while celebrating the Hero of the Year, who is the grandfather of Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola, said the late Chief Tairu was honoured at the 2024 edition of the festival, having served Egbaland diligently as the Otun of Egbaland.
He said the contributions of the Hero of the Year to the development of Egbaland could not also be erased.
The Alake added that the event served as a platform to celebrate achievements, honour exemplary individuals and foster unity among Egba sons and daughters.
“We use the Lisabi festival to promote selflessness, to promote leadership qualities in all Egba sons and daughters, to promote what we are known for. Education is our number one industry; to promote education, to promote entrepreneurship.
“This year, we chose agric business, and we have had a series of lectures, bankers coming to tell us about what facilities are available to farmers and we have got so many Egba sons who have produced the equipment that so many of our children will need when they’re going into farming.”
In his remarks, the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba Saka Adelola Matemilola stressed the importance of preserving history and heritage to propel further development by the younger generation.
He urged the community to build on the successes inherited from their forefathers, especially the legacies of late Chief Tairu Braimoh Olaleye, the grandfather of Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Ishola.
