LISABI FESTIVAL REMAINS A HISTORIC CELEBRATION OF OUR HERO, NOT A FASHION EVENT.

The attention of the Lisabi Festival Committee has been drawn to a viral video circulating online insinuating that the upcoming Lisabi Festival is a celebration of “Egbaliganza.” This claim is entirely false, misleading, and a distortion of historical truth.

The Lisabi Festival is a sacred and historic celebration in honour of our legendary hero, Lisabi Agbongbo Akala, who courageously liberated the Egba people from the shackles of the Oyo Empire in the 17th century. His bravery, leadership, and sacrifice laid the foundation for the freedom and unity the Egba nation enjoys today. It is this enduring legacy that we commemorate annually — not any commercial or fashion enterprise.

For clarity, Egbaliganza is a cultural fashion initiative pioneered by Chief Lai Labode, the current Aare of Egbaland. It is a commendable innovation that promotes Egba fashion and enterprise. However, it is separate and distinct from the Lisabi Festival.

As part of our inclusive cultural programming, Egbaliganza has been allocated approximately two hours during the week-long activities to showcase Egba attire in recognition of its contribution to cultural promotion. This gesture is purely honorary and does not in any way redefine, replace, or overshadow the true essence of the Lisabi Festival.

The 39th Edition of the Lisabi Festival will hold from 23rd March to 29th March 2026, with the grand finale scheduled for 28th March 2026. The festival remains a celebration of Egba history, heroism, cultural pride, and unity.

We therefore urge the general public to disregard any misinformation suggesting that the Egba people are celebrating a fashion festival. We are celebrating our hero. We are celebrating our history. We are celebrating Lisabi.

The Lisabi Festival is, and will always remain, a historic commemoration of our liberation and identity as Egba people.

EGBA AGBEWA OOO

Signed,

High Chief  Rasheed Raji

The Asipa of Egbaland

Chairman, Lisabi Festival Committee