Lisabi Festival 2026: 50 Countries To Honor Lisabi, Alake At Egbaliganza Celebration

According to Ireporter Online, the convener of Egbaliganza, the flagship cultural programme of the Lisabi Festival in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Aare Dr. Lai Labode, has announced that over 50 countries are expected to pay homage to the legendary Abeokuta hero Lisabi and the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, at the upcoming festival.

Labode made the announcement while unveiling the schedule for the third edition of Egbaliganza, which is set to take place on March 28, 2026. He emphasized the significance of the global participation, stating, “At least 50 countries around the world are coming to pay homage to Lisabi and the Alake of Egbaland. The Egba people have always understood the weight of their history, craftsmanship, language, and identity. Egbaliganza 2026 transforms that weight into a platform. Fifty nations will stand on that platform on March 28, making Abeokuta not just a city on a map, but the cultural capital of a continent finding its voice.”

The programme for Egbaliganza 2026 promises a rich showcase of culture, beginning with the Parade of Nations, which will feature delegations from over 50 countries presenting their unique cultural identities alongside the Egba people. The parade will be accompanied by a formal charter signing to establish long-term collaborations in culture, tourism, and creative enterprise. Additional highlights include the Walk of Heroes and Walk of Kings, the Egba Fashion Club Runways and Hackathons showcasing indigenous textiles like Àdìrẹ and Aso-Oke, the unveiling of the Unity Drum built by a son of Egbaland, and performances by the 80-member Egbaliganza orchestral band. The “Oja Egbaliganza” exhibition will present historic Egba garments and artefacts dating back 3,000 to 4,000 years.

The festival will conclude with the Gala Night, themed “Flame of a Continent,” featuring performances, ceremonial presentations, and cultural storytelling, followed by the Lisabi Day Celebration to honor Egba ancestors and heritage custodians.

Labode also confirmed that the Lisabi Festival has received official recognition from the Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy, enhancing its national cultural status and opening new avenues for cultural tourism in Ogun State and beyond. The 2026 edition will focus on the theme of culture as a key driver of economic development at the grassroots, national, and continental levels. Present at the announcement were Mrs. Lai Labode and Emmanuella Ropo.