The Lisabi Day Celebration Committee in collaboration with Egbaliganza, a Heritage Culture Platform on Saturday debunked speculations of crack in the wall of the two bodies as Egba began process and plans for the 39th edition of the festival.
Penpushing reports that Chairman of the Committee, High Chief Rasheed Raji alongside the founder of Egbaliganza, Chief Lai Labode jnr, who is the Aare of Egbaland, made this explanation at joint press conference held at Alake Palace, Abeokuta.
‘This press conference has become necessary in view of some news and narratives circulating in parts of the media space suggesting that there is division among the Egba people concerning the celebration of the Lisabi Festival’, Raji stated.
Penpushing further reports that Raji, who is Asipa of Egbaland emphasized that the speculation was the handiwork of mischief-makers, who are envious of known colourful and well packaged festival, stressing that Egba are united in all ramifications
‘Let me state clearly, categorically, and without ambiguity: the unity of the Egba people is not negotiable. Egba people today are more united than ever before. Like every vibrant and progressive society, there may be differences in opinions on how best to celebrate our heritage and honour our heroes. Such discussions are natural in a community that values participation and cultural pride’, he added.
Penpushing also reports that he stated that all celebrations of the festival revolve around Lisabi Agbongbo Akala, a renowned legendary hero who is a central figure whose courage and leadership secured the freedom and identity of the Egba people
‘However, what must be understood is that all celebrations revolve around one central figure and one unifying symbol Lisabi Agbongbo Akala, the legendary hero whose courage and leadership secured the freedom and identity of the Egba people. Lisabi remains the point of contact through which we honour all our heroes and celebrate our collective heritage’.
Penpushing reports that Raji emphasized that the leadership of Egbaland has well-established internal mechanisms for resolving issues, mechanisms that date back several centuries and are rooted in respected tradition of eldership, consultation, and communal wisdom.
The committee chairman added that these time-tested processes have guided the Egba people since the early 1700s, and it has continued to serve the indigenes and Egbaland effectively till date.
‘Let me therefore reiterate that there is only one festival being celebrated the Lisabi Festival. What some may be seeing as separate activities are in fact components designed to enrich and add colour to the Lisabi Festival celebrations’, he added.
‘For instance, Egbaliganza is a heritage and culture platform organized by Lai Labode Heritage Foundation to showcase the elegance and creativity of Egba attire and heritage. We also have the Royal Horse Procession, a grand cultural display organized by another group of respected chiefs, symbolizing the royalty, courage, and prestige deeply rooted in Egba history’.
Penpushing further reports that Raji disclosed that in addition, many Egba groups and cultural associations from across Nigeria and the diaspora will be participating with their own activities, performances, and contributions.
‘All these are not separate festivals, but expressions of the vibrancy and diversity within the larger Lisabi Festival celebration. I want to assure the public that the 39th edition of the Lisabi Festival is fully on course and promises to be one of the most memorable celebrations in our history’.
‘Under the leadership and fatherly guidance of HRM Oba Dr Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, Okukenu III, the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, and with the cooperation of all Egba chiefs and stakeholders, tremendous effort is being invested day and night to ensure a successful festival’.
Penpushing also reports that he assured that adequate arrangements have been made for security, hospitality, cultural displays, entertainment, and the comfort of all guests coming from far and near.
‘Therefore, I wish to extend a warm invitation to all sons and daughters of Egbaland, friends of Egba heritage, cultural enthusiasts, and the global community to come and be part of the 39th Lisabi Festival’, he said.
‘Come and witness the pride of our culture. Come and celebrate the legacy of our heroes. Come and experience the unity, hospitality, and greatness of the Egba people. Together, we will show the world that Egba stands united yesterday, today, and forever’, Raji added.
Penpushing reports Chief Mustapha Owolabi in his contributions also dismissed reports suggesting that Egbaliganza was removed from the 2026 Lisabi Festival calendar, describing the claim as false and misleading.
The Akinfiwatolu of Egbalannd emphatically stated that at no time was Egbaliganza removed from the official programme of events for the 2026 Lisabi Festival, pointing out that such reports were the handiwork of mischief makers who are bent on creating unnecessary tension and disunity among the rank and file of the Egba people.
‘Egbaliganza remains one of the cultural activities designed to add colour and vibrancy to the Lisabi Festival, which celebrates the legacy of the great Egba hero, Lisabi Agbongbo Akala’, he said.
Penpushing further reports that Owolabi, therefore urged members of the press to always verify information from credible sources before publication, emphasizing the important role of the media in promoting accurate information and safeguarding public trust.
The Egba Chief reiterated that the Egba people remain united and committed to making the 39th Lisabi Festival a successful and memorable celebration for all sons and daughters of Egbaland at home and in the diaspora.
Penpushing also reports that other notable indigenes in attendance at the press conference include Dr Kayode Akinsola (Baamofin of Ilogbo Egba and Director of Operations Egbaliganza Movement) and Princess Enitan Adegbite (Festival Director Egbaliganza) among others
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