Lisabi Festival Committee Defends Cultural Integrity

The Lisabi Festival Committee, led by Chairman Chief Rashe Raji, has issued a strong rebuttal to online claims suggesting that the 39th Lisabi Festival, scheduled for March 23-29, 2026, in Abeokuta, Ogun State, is being overshadowed by the Egbaliganza fashion initiative. The festival honors the legendary Egba warrior Lisabi Agbongbo Akala, who led a revolt against the Oyo Empire in the 18th century.

The committee described the viral video as false and misleading, asserting that the festival remains a solemn commemoration of the Egba people's struggle for independence. Chief Raji emphasized that the Egbaliganza is a separate initiative aimed at promoting Egba fashion and is not intended to redefine or overshadow the festival's historical essence.

The committee plans to allocate a two-hour slot within the week-long program for the Egbaliganza, which will showcase Egba attire. The festival's grand final is set for March 28, 2026, and aims to celebrate Egba heritage while maintaining its traditional focus.