Lisabi Festival Organizing Committee
Custodians of Egba Heritage and Stewards of Cultural Legacy
The Lisabi Festival Organizing Committee (LFOC) is the officially recognized body responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing the annual Lisabi Festival, a weeklong cultural and historical celebration in Abeokuta, Ogun State. The festival honors the heroic legacy of Lisabi Agbongbo Akala, the famed 18th-century Egba warrior who led the successful resistance against the Oyo Empire’s domination.
The committee plays a vital role in preserving the Egba identity, fostering unity among the different Egba subgroups, and promoting sustainable development through cultural awareness, youth engagement, and community participation.
Mandate and Responsibilities
The LFOC operates under the guidance of the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland and traditional councils, with its core mandates including:
- Cultural Preservation: Safeguarding the traditions, values, and oral history associated with Lisabi and the Egba people.
- Festival Planning: Designing the annual Lisabi Festival program of events, ensuring participation from Egba Ake, Gbagura, Owu, Oke-Ona, and other stakeholders.
- Community Mobilization: Encouraging grassroots participation through local chiefs, Baales, community development associations, and age-grade societies.
- Youth and Education Engagement: Organizing competitions, symposia, and activities that educate and involve Egba youth in cultural heritage.
- Resource Coordination: Securing sponsorships, managing logistics, budgeting, and facilitating partnerships with government agencies, private sector donors, and diaspora organizations.
- Protocol and Security: Coordinating ceremonial protocols involving traditional rulers, dignitaries, and VIP guests while ensuring safety throughout the festivities.
Committee Structure
The LFOC is composed of respected leaders, cultural advocates, youth representatives, and professionals from across the Egba communities, both locally and in the diaspora. Key roles typically include:
- Chairperson
- Secretary-General
- Heads of Subcommittees, including:
- Culture and Heritage
- Logistics, Medical, and Security
- Media and Publicity
- Sponsorship and Fundraising
- Youth and Sports
- Women’s Affairs
- Diaspora Engagement
- Vendors and entertainment
Achievements and Impact
Over the years, the Lisabi Festival Organizing Committee has:
- Revitalized Egba cultural pride and unity through inclusive celebrations.
- Fostered inter-generational dialogue and mentorship via educational events.
- Partnered with government and NGOs to implement community development projects.
- Elevated the visibility of Abeokuta and Egbaland as a cultural and historical destination.
- Provided a platform for Egba sons and daughters in business, academia, and politics to give back to their communities.
The LFOC is committed to:
- Expanding the festival’s reach through digital documentation and global livestreams.
- Building a Lisabi Heritage Center for education, tourism, and cultural preservation.
- Strengthening partnerships with the Ogun State government and Yoruba cultural institutions.
- Ensuring continuity through the mentorship and training of young cultural leaders.
Logistics, Medical, and Security.
The Lisabi Festival Organizing Committee serves as both guardian and innovator, ensuring that the legacy of Lisabi Agbongbo Akala is honored not only with reverence but also with relevance. Through its diligent coordination and cultural stewardship, the committee bridges history with hope, uniting Egba sons and daughters in celebration, service, and shared pride.