Abeokuta-

Recently, in the touristic city of Abeokuta, the capital of Ogun State, South West Nigeria, His Majesty, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, Okukenu lV, the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland during the 38th edition of Lisabi Festival, displayed one of his rare attires to celebrate the festival and to showcase the fashion sense of Egba people at the Egbaliganza fashion runway, complimenting the festival.

‘Afateseregede Alake’

Kabiyesi Alake’s Egbaliganza attire, known as ‘Afateseregede Egba,’ serves as a striking testament to his exceptional role and unwavering support for the cultural renaissance spearheaded by the Lai Labode Heritage Foundation.

His ‘Afateseregede Alake’ ensemble featured the illustrious ‘Buba Okukenu Kerin,’ a royal buba robe accentuated by majestic ‘Lion Horse Whips’ flanking both sides, symbolizing the completeness of the Alake in wisdom and prowess. The flowing angelic fur adorning his chest and cascading to his back evokes his divine essence as a representative of the Almighty on Earth.

His Royal Majesty, Kabiesi Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, Okukenu lV, Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland at the recently held Lisabi Festival in Abeokuta, donned his ‘Afateseregede Alake’ attire.

Crowning his distinguished look was the ‘Abeti Eye Alake’ cap, a unique headpiece reserved solely for him, created only with his express permission. Remarkably, only seven of these caps may be crafted annually. Named after the divine bird that receives wisdom from the Almighty, the Abeti Eye Alake signifies the blessing and authority bestowed upon him to lead in peace and love over his people.

Complementing his attire were the flamboyant ‘Kembe Okukenu’ trousers, which seamlessly connect the grandeur of our heritage with the brilliance of the present while inspiring a more innovative future.

Endorsement of Osi Apagun Lai Labode’s fashion innovation (Egbaliganza) by Alake

Osi-Apagun Lai Labode, Ph.D., received the explicit endorsement of the Alake of Egbaland to innovate historic garments and enhance Egba fashion for public showcase, thus elevating the Egbaliganza to unprecedented heights. Under his visionary leadership, Egbaland proudly emerged as the first indigenous nation to forge a unified identity centered on celebrating the richness of its fashion, art, music, and moral integrity through the Egbaliganza—a beacon of creativity and cultural pride.

The Egba Fashion Celebration- Egbaliganza has transformed the Lisabi Festival, setting new benchmarks for cultural expression among all ethnic communities. At its core, Egbaliganza seeks to inspire, fostering a vibrant cultural landscape from which generations can draw wisdom and pride.

Osi-Apagun Lai Labode, Ph.D., has ushered in one of Egbaland’s most glorious moments, marking the beginning of a new era of Egba and Yoruba pride.