By Adelaja, L. O.
Every year, the people of Egbaland in Ogun State, Nigeria, come together to celebrate Lisabi Day, a cultural festival held in honour of the legendary warrior Lisabi Agbongbo-Akala This event serves as a tribute to his bravery and strategic prowess in leading the Egba people to freedom from the dominance of the Oyo Empire.
Who Was Lisabi?
Lisabi was a fearless and intelligent warrior from Itoku, Abeokuta. He is credited with organizing the Egba Liberation War, which freed the Egba people from the oppressive rule of Oyo warriors in the 18th century. He achieved this by secretly forming a military alliance known as the Egbe Aaro (Society of Mutual Assistance), which coordinated a well-planned resistance against the Oyo warriors. His courage and leadership earned him a revered place in Egba history.
Significance of Lisabi Day
The Lisabi Day celebration is more than just a cultural event; it is a time for the Egba people to reflect on their history, unity, and resilience. The festival is an opportunity to:
- Honour Lisabi's Heroism: His legacy serves as a reminder of the importance of courage and self-determination.
- Promote Egba Culture and Traditions: The festival showcases Egba customs, attire, music, and dances.
- Encourage Development: Over the years, Lisabi Day has become a platform for addressing community development projects and initiatives.
Activities During Lisabi Day Celebration
Lisabi Day is a week-long event that comes up on last Saturday of March every year(2025). The event is being held today, the 5th of April, 2025.
Theme for this year is :BACK TO LAND: PANACEA FOR FOOD SUSTAINABILITY AND YOUTH EMPLOYMENT IN EGBALAND. The celebration is filled with activities that highlight the rich cultural heritage of the Egba people. Some of the major events include:
1. Traditional Prayers and Rites: The festival begins with traditional prayers at sacred sites ( Lisabi forest , Olumo Rock, and War Cenotaph at Itoku), invoking the spirit of Lisabi for peace and prosperity.
2. Schools debate and presentations of literary materials to different participating schools, which National Library of Nigeria , Ogun State always play a prominent role.
3. Processions and Cultural Displays: Colourful parades, traditional dances, and masquerade performances take centre stage, attracting visitors from within and outside Ogun State.
4. Historical Reenactments: Some groups perform dramatic retellings of Lisabi's exploits, educating younger generations on his role in Egba history.
5. Community Development Projects: The Egba people use the occasion to commission new projects such as schools, roads, and healthcare facilities.
6. Sports Competitions: Various traditional and modern sporting events are organized to foster unity among participants.
7. Grand Finale and Address by the Alake of Egbaland: The climax of the festival is usually marked by a grand celebration at the Ake Palace, where the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland delivers an address to his people.
Conclusion
Lisabi Day is a celebration of a yearly reminder of the power of collective action and self-determination. As the Egba people continue to uphold this tradition, they not only honour their past but also inspire future generations to embrace their cultural identity and strive for community progress.