- Safiu Kehinde
Culture Activist, Molara Wood, has faulted the Lisabi festival in Egbaland for imitating the Ojude Oba festival celebrated by Ijebu people.
Wood, in a post on her X handle yesterday, said that the festival held on Saturday is a bad copy-and-paste version of the Ojude Oba.
While maintaining that she had nothing against the annual event held in celebration of the Egba heritage, Wood called for the celebration of culture’a original essence.
“Nothing against the Ẹgba, but. Now every festival wants to copy-and-paste Ojude Oba and merely ends up emblazoning itself as pastiche.
“Why can’t people celebrate an original essence that’s unique to them? Why so much gaudiness in the name of culture? Copycat country.” She wrote.
The Lisabi festival is held annually to honour Egba’s legendary hero, Lisabi Agbongbo Akala, a fearless liberator who fought against oppression.
According to reports, the 2025 edition themed ‘Ègbáliganza 2025,’ saw a fusion of cultural pride with modern style, showcasing the rich heritage of the Egba people.
It also featured a grand finale with stunning fashion displays, highlighting traditional Ofi, Adire, and Afrocentric designs.
The event had in attendance prominent dignitaries of Ogun descent led by former Nigeria President, Olusegun Obasanjo.
Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, was also in attendance alongside his predecessor, Sen. Ibikunle Amosun, Ladi Adebutu, 2023 governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, and Nollywood star Richard Mofe-Damijo amongst others.
The Alake of Egbaland and high chiefs graced the event wearing majestic regalia and coral beads.