A call has gone to Egba sons and daughters both at home and in the diaspora to brace up to the challenge of rescuing egba cultural values and heritage from going into extinction.
The Egba Traditional Council is launching a fashion brand in Yorubaland at this year Lisabi festival to promote African culture and celebrate the Egba people’s resilience.
The initiative tagged “Egbaliganza” was announced at a news conference held on Tuesday at the Erelu Yeye Oodua Renaissance Centre in Ikoyi , Lagos
Egbaliganza is designed to showcase Egba creativity and craftsmanship on a global stage. Chief Lai Labode, the initiator of Egbaliganza, spoke at the event, explaining that the brand is more than just fashion. It represents the best of Egba heritage worldwide.
Labode emphasised the importance of preserving Egba traditions, saying, “The Egbas have always upheld high moral standards. Our unique styles, especially those from the 1950s, must be preserved. Egbaliganza is a reflection of that legacy.”
He also highlighted the distinct craftsmanship of Egba Adire, stating, “Adire is made across Nigeria, but the way we craft it in Egba land sets us apart. Our goal is to ensure this cultural treasure does not perish but rather thrives globally.”
He stressed that Egbaliganza was introduced last year and has now evolved to showcase the unity of Egba’s four townships—Ake, Oke-Ona, Gbagura, and Owu—during the Lisabi Festival.
He promised that the event, themed “The Walkway of Kings,” would highlight traditional attires that connect the past, present, and future of Egba culture.
The Chairman of the occasion, High Chief Yemi Lawal, while giving the opening address described the festival as a dedication to the preservation and promotion of Egba culture.
“From the legendary Lisabi who led the Egba people to freedom, we must celebrate our unique identity.
” Egbaliganza is more than an event—it is a movement and a commitment to ensuring that Egba traditions do not fade in the face of modernity.” Lawal said.
He also stressed the need to instill values of diligence and unity in younger generations, urging that Egba festivals, attires, language, cuisine, and music must be preserved and celebrated.
Also at the event The Egba Traditional Council announced the plan to establish a $1 billion fashion industry in yoruba land.
Chief Labode, while speaking at the event highlighted Africa’s small presence in the global fashion industry, revealing that the continent holds only 1.2% of the global market, equivalent to $21 billion.
He stated that Egbaliganza aimed to increase Africa’s share to between 10% and 15%.
” “We want to ensure that anywhere in the world, people can easily locate an African store that sells Egba and Yoruba fashion,” he added.
Labode acknowledged the tremendous support of the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, in making the initiative a reality.
Labode noted that Egbaliganza had already gained international recognition.
” Last year, two special attires were showcased—one named after Lisabi, the Egba hero, representing bravery and resilience, and another after Losi-Egba, an Ogboni chief, which symbolizes regal elegance.
” This year, the festival will feature a variety of traditional attires, including: Abeti Irin, Abeti Aja, Kembe Okukenu, Kembe Olowu and Kembe Oshile.
” The 2025 Lisabi Festival is expected to be a landmark event, projecting Egba culture onto the global fashion stage while fostering unity among its people,” he said.
While describing the business and technological aspect of the initiative , the Vice Chairman of the Egba Liganza , Chief Atobatele Abiodun , extolled the virtues of design and styles as well as the beauty of egba cultural dressing , expressed optimism that the brand will soon attract global attention and admired by people from other tribes and culture in Yoruba land.
He promised to leverage on his technological expertise in the drive at ensuring effective promotion of the brand.
Also speaking , the Director of Project , Egba Liganza , Chief Akeem Mustapha , highlighted series of programmes to be reeled out by the organiser and promised to carry along all groups including the youths to achieve their goals and aspirations through empowerment .
