Lisabi Festival Abeokuta commenced, celebrating the Egba liberator. The annual event unites Egba descendants globally, honouring their heritage
[dropcap]A[/dropcap]beokuta North Local Government has officially launched the annual Lisabi Festival, a significant cultural event for the Egba people.
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Dr. Oyegbola-Sodipo ‘Lanre, Council Chairman, inaugurated the 38th Lisabi Day Celebration at the Habeeb Ajayi Multipurpose Hall, Local Government Secretariat, on March 4th, 2025, with a traditional Ayo Olopon competition.
The Lisabi Festival, named after the legendary Egba warrior and liberator, Lisabi Agbongbo Akala, serves as a yearly rallying point for Egba sons and daughters worldwide.
The event celebrates Lisabi’s bravery and vision, reinforcing the unity and cultural heritage of the Egba people.
Dr. Oyegbola-Sodipo actively participated in the Ayo Olopon game, demonstrating the rich cultural practices of the festival alongside his Vice Chairman, Hon. Egbeyemi Taiyelolu.
He encouraged Egba descendants living abroad to maintain a strong connection to their roots and actively engage with their cultural heritage.
“This 38th Lisabi Day Celebration is a yearly tradition designed to unite all Egba people across the globe,” Dr. Oyegbola-Sodipo stated.
He emphasised that the Egba people, comprising the Ake, Owu, Oke Ona, and Gbagura subgroups, represent a significant Yoruba sub-ethnic group within the Ogun Central Senatorial district.
These communities span six local government areas: Abeokuta North, Abeokuta South, Ewekoro, Ifo, Obafemi Owode, and Odeda.
The opening event saw the presence of key local government officials, including Hon. Egbeyemi Taiyelolu, Vice Chairman; Hon. Moruf Erubami, Leader of the Legislative Arm; Engr. Mutiat Agbaje, Secretary to the Local Government; Mrs. Kikelomo Ajayi, Head of Local Government Administration; and Mrs. Adekunle Aderonke, Head of Community Development and Social Welfare.
The festival underscores the importance of preserving and celebrating cultural traditions, fostering a sense of community and shared identity among the Egba people.
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The Lisabi Festival Abeokuta continues to be a vibrant testament to the enduring legacy of Lisabi Agbongbo Akala, uniting generations and strengthening the cultural fabric of Abeokuta and its diaspora.
Quadri Olaitan is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, public affairs, and human-interest stories.
