The Egba people of Ogun State on Saturday gathered at the Ake Palace grounds in Abeokuta for the grand finale of the 39th Lisabi Festival, capping a week-long celebration that began on March 23.

The festival, held annually to honour Lisabi Agbongbo Akala, the warrior who led the Egba people’s revolt against the Oyo Empire in the 18th century and secured their independence, features traditional homage-paying rites, warrior-themed reenactments, drumming, and colourful dance parades.

Hosted under the authority of the Alake of Egbaland, the festival brings together all Egba subgroups — Ake, Oke-Ona, Gbagura, and Owu — in a display of unity and shared identity.

Saturday’s grand finale also includes an Egbaliganza showcase, a cultural fashion initiative championed by the Aare of Egbaland, Chief Lai Labode, which highlights Egba attire and enterprise.

The Lisabi Festival Committee had in February clarified that the Egbaliganza occupies only a two-hour slot within the week-long programme and does not redefine the festival’s historical focus.

Coordinated outfits featuring Abeokuta’s iconic Adire fabric dominate the fashion displays, while the occasion also serves as a homecoming for Egba indigenes in the diaspora. Political leaders, business figures, and cultural influencers are among those in attendance.

Local trade and street activity have increased significantly across the city throughout the week, while security presence is heightened around key venues. (The PUNCH)

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