Hon. Motunrayo Adijat Adeleye, the Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development in Ogun State, has extended her heartfelt congratulations to the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Adedotun Gbadebo, Okukenu IV, on the occasion of the 38th Lisabi Festival held on April 5, 2025, in Abeokuta.
Speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Women Affairs & Social Development, Hon. Adeleye rejoiced with the Alake and the entire Egba people as they commemorated this historical cultural event. The Lisabi Festival is an annual celebration held in honor of Lisabi Agbongbo Akala, a revered farmer and warrior who played a crucial role in the Egba people’s liberation from the dominance of the old Oyo Kingdom.
The Egba people, a sub-ethnic group of the Yoruba, are comprised of four major divisions: Ake, Owu, Oke Ona, and Gbagura, residing in the Ogun Central Senatorial District. The region is further divided into six local government areas: Abeokuta North, Abeokuta South, Ewekoro, Ifo, Obafemi Owode, and Odeda. The Egba people originally migrated from the Oyo Kingdom to settle in the Egba forests, now known as Abeokuta. Each Egba subdivision is ruled by distinct monarchs: the Alake of Egbaland, the Olowu of Owu, the Oshile of Oke Ona, and the Agura of Gbagura.
Lisabi, a native of Itoku in Abeokuta who resided in Igbein, was a formidable warrior and leader. His leadership and bravery were so remarkable that the Balogun (war chief) of Egbaland title has since been reserved for individuals from Igbein. As part of the festival’s annual rituals, Egba people, led by the Alake, journey to the Lisabi Sacred Forest (Igbo Lisabi) in Oba Village, Obafemi/Owode Local Government Area, to pay homage to their hero, who is believed to have disappeared there.
Hon. Adeleye praised HRM Oba (Dr.) Adedotun Gbadebo for his unwavering commitment to preserving the rich cultural heritage of the Egba people and the Yoruba race at large. She noted that this effort enhances the global recognition of Abeokuta’s historical significance. She also extended her congratulations to all Egba indigenes and titleholders, praying for the Alake’s long and prosperous reign.
Encouraging the people to embrace the festival’s significance, Hon. Adeleye urged them to uphold their responsibilities to their homeland and draw inspiration from Lisabi’s legacy to become exemplary citizens.
Live Long Our King!
Lisabi, Agbe Gbogbo Wa Ooo!
