By Esther Onyegbula

The Lisabi Festival Committee has dismissed claims circulating online that the forthcoming 39th edition of the historic celebration is being turned into a platform for Egbaliganza, the cultural fashion initiative promoted by Chief Lai Labode, the Aare of Egbaland.

In a statement issued Wednesday and signed by High Chief Rasheed Raji, the Asipa of Egbaland and Chairman of the Lisabi Festival Committee, the committee described a viral video alleging that the festival now centres on Egbaliganza as inaccurate and misleading.

Raji stressed that the Lisabi Festival remains an annual homage to Lisabi Agbongbo Akala, the 17th-century Egba warrior revered for leading his people in their struggle for freedom.
According to him, the festival’s core objective is to preserve and celebrate the historical and cultural heritage of the Egba people.

“We acknowledge Egbaliganza as a commendable initiative promoting Egba fashion and enterprise under Chief Labode’s leadership. However, both initiatives are separate and distinct,” Raji stated.

He explained that only about two hours within the week-long programme have been allocated for an Egbaliganza showcase of Egba attire, noting that the segment is honorary and does not alter the festival’s historical focus.

The committee chairman disclosed that the 39th Lisabi Festival is scheduled to hold from March 23 to 29, 2026, with the grand finale slated for March 28 in Abeokuta.
Raji observed that recent promotional materials from Egbaliganza highlighting international participation, royal presence and cultural parades may have contributed to public perception that the fashion initiative was becoming central to the celebration.

He said some social media users had referred to the event as “Lisabi Festival (Egbaliganza),” a description the committee clarified does not reflect the official position of organisers.

The statement noted that Egbaliganza made a prominent appearance during the 2025 edition of the festival, drawing commendation for its colourful display. However, the committee maintained that the Lisabi Festival remains primarily a solemn commemoration of Egba history and identity.

“We are celebrating our hero. We are celebrating our history. We are celebrating Lisabi,” the statement read, concluding with the traditional expression, “Egba Agbewa Ooo.”
Raji added that preparations for the March 2026 celebration are ongoing, expressing optimism that public engagement would further clarify the distinct roles of the festival and the fashion initiative within the broader framework of Egba cultural heritage.