In the heart of Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, the Egba people gather every year to celebrate the eponymous Lisabi festival in honor of the legendary Egba warrior and liberator Lisabi Agbongbo-Akala, who rescued the people of Egbaland from slavery freed them imposed by Oloyo.
The week-long Lisabi festival showcases the rich history and culture of the Egba people and reflects their wealth and joy. The Egbas are known as a hardworking and fun-loving tribe with exceptional skills in indigenous crafts. The festival begins at the legendary and famous Olumo Rock, where the sounds of gunshots echoes throughout the Sodeke axis, magnificent masquerade performances, various traditional dances including the “Woro” dance, and numerous outdoor and indoor games take place.
The streets of Abeokuta come alive during the Lisabi Festival. The markets are closed to allow and encourage people to fully participate in the festival and to avoid heavy traffic. The sons and daughters of Egbaland in the diaspora return to their families for a wonderful celebration. The Lisabi Festival in particular has attracted major sponsors, including telecommunications companies such as GLO and companies such as the Olukun Festival Foundation.
The traditional ruler of Egbaland, Alake and his Olori (Queen) receive important dignitaries from Nigeria and the world. Alake also participates in almost all events organized during the Lisabi festival such as the Miss Olumo beauty pageant, school quizzes, football competitions, street rallies and most importantly, a walk in the Lisabi forest between the villages of Morocco and Abatan Obafemi Local Owode Government area. Lisabi is believed to have disappeared into the forest floor after the liberation of the Egba people and the forest has been considered her home ever since.
The history of Abeokuta or Egbaland states that Lisabi Agbongbo-Akala was originally a farmer before she took up arms. This happened in the 1930s, during the autocratic rule of Oloyo, who commanded thousands of warriors from different cities under his rule. When the Egbaland elders surrendered and went to Oloyo, Lisabi Agbong-Akala mobilized some men and went to war against Oloyo. Although Lisabi’s men were outnumbered by Oloyo’s, he strategically won the war thus liberating Egbaland.
The Lisabi Festival celebrated every month in March attracts tourists from far and wide, generates sufficient revenue for the state government and also supports the tourism sector in Ogun State. Lisabi Festival is currently one of the most colorful festivals celebrated in Abeokuta/Egbaland.
