Abeokuta-
In its usual captivating atmosphere of glamour, pomp and pageantry, the 38th edition of Lisabi Festival took place yesterday in Abeokuta, the capital of Ogun State, South West Nigeria honouring the 18th century legendary warrior and progenitor of Egba people- Lisabi.
The festival held at the quintessential Ake Palace, the throne home of His Royal Majesty, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland where Egba sons, daughters and other dignitaries across the world converged to honour the legacies of Lisabi Agbongboakala.
His Royal Majesty, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland arriving the venue of the event in grand style
This is more than just a fashion statement of Egba people, but a fusion of top-notch entertainment, classical runways, artistic presentations and ultimately a cultural movement that are redefining the narratives of African fashion. Set against the backdrop of rich African heritage and royalty, Egbaliganza has turned the fashion of the Egba people into a celebration of identity, pride and excellence. It has successfully fused ancient and modernity into aesthetic with contemporary creativity, showcasing the resilience of African fabrics, styles and unveiling the stories behind them.
His Excellency, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo(GCFR) Former President of Nigeria in his own Egbaliganza regalia at the event in Abeokuta
Through its iconic runway, known as The “Walkway of the Kings”, Egbaliganza has inspired visioners, designers, models and fashion enthusiasts to embrace African authenticity while pushing the boundaries of sustainable fashion.
According to the founder and Creative Director of the initiative, Chief Lai Labode, Osi Apagun Pote of Egbaland who believes the project is beyond the surface, but has deeper nuances that need to be manifested, ensuring Abeokuta becomes global home of fashion.”Egbaliganza is the art of elegance where refinement meets restraint and styles knows no price. It is more than a celebration; its an economic revolution. Forget Paris, Milan or New York, Abeokuta is the new fashion capital and the walk ways of the Kings is delivering regal elegance at its finest”.
Veteran Actor, Richard Mofe-Damijo and the legendary Ugo Monye, the designer of the attires at the venue as the Ore Egba Pataki in their own Egba regalias.
More importantly, Egbaliganza has made ancient fashion relatable and accessible to everyday people, turning what was once ordinary, spiritual and warfare wears into royal statements.
It has provided a powerful platform for emerging talents and legendary designers like Ugo Monye and visioners like Lai Labode to share their interpretation of Africa’s diverse culture in regal and innovative ways.
Chief Lai Labode, Osi Apagun Pote of Egbaland and founder/Creative Director of Egbaliganza in his attire on the runway in Abeokuta
From Abeokuta to the rest of Nigeria, the continent and the diaspora, Egbaliganza will empower the people to wear their culture with confidence and pride.
Commenting on the initiative, Chief Mustapha Abdulhakeem Owolabi, the Akinfiwatolu of Egbaland and the Executive Director, Project and Administration for Egbaliganza, believes that the initiative is an all encompassing one that would blossom into an economic growth for the Egba people and the nation at large.
In many ways, Egbaliganza has turned the fashion and lifestyle of Egba people into the best thing that has happened to African fashion, thereby preserving heritage, celebrating culture, and promoting total African elegance on a global scale.
