Lisabi Festival: Ogun chief urges unity, sacrificial leadership

An Egba High Chief, the Akinfiwatolu of Egbaland, Mustapha Abdulhakeem, has called for sacrificial leadership and a strong spirit of unity to build a better, stable and prosperous nation.

Chief Abdulhakeem stated that the Egba people would remain grateful to Lisabi Agbongbo Akala, one of their ancestors and a brave warrior, for his resilience and courageous leadership, which contributed to the liberation of the Egba people from the Oyo Empire in the 1760s.

In a statement made available to journalists on Thursday to commemorate the 39th Lisabi Festival, the entrepreneur said the history of the Egba people is a powerful story of courage that begins in resistance, passes through hardship, and finds its fulfilment in unity and identity.

He said that at the centre of this historical journey stands Lisabi Agbongbo Akala, a figure whose actions in the 1760s reshaped the destiny of his people.

Abdulhakeem stated that in the early to mid-17th century, the Egba people lived under the authority of the formidable Oyo Empire, with a system of control enforced through tribute and political subordination, leaving many Egba communities with little autonomy. This dominance lasted for years and went largely unchallenged.

He explained that by the 1760s, a quiet resistance began to take shape — one that would alter the course of history.

The chief said, “Lisabi was not merely a warrior; he was a strategist. Recognising that unity was the foundation of any successful resistance, he turned to the traditional Aaro system, a communal labour practice, as a tool for mobilisation.

“Under the guise of farming cooperation, he built a network of trust, coordination and shared purpose among the Egba people. What followed was not a spontaneous uprising but a calculated revolt.

“The Egba resistance dealt a decisive blow to Oyo authority in the region, marking a significant step towards freedom. Yet, like many transformative figures, Lisabi did not live to witness the long-term impact of his actions. His sacrifice, however, would echo through time.”

He disclosed that the aftermath of the revolt did not immediately bring stability, but rather ushered in a prolonged period of uncertainty, while the weakening of established power structures across Yorubaland led to widespread conflicts, forcing many communities, including the Egba, into cycles of displacement and survival.

Abdulhakeem said that for decades, the Egba people moved across territories seeking refuge and security, saying this was a defining period that tested their resilience and threatened their cohesion. Yet, the spirit of independence ignited during Lisabi’s time endured and kept the people together.

He added that through the guidance of the Ifa Oracle, by the early 19th century, the Egba people’s long journey found direction in Abeokuta, which was chosen for its natural defensive advantages, particularly the imposing Olumo Rock, which offered the Egba people protection from further attacks.

Abdulhakeem emphasised that more than geography, Abeokuta represented a turning point.

“It became a place where fragmented groups reunited, where systems of governance were re-established, and where a shared identity was strengthened.

“Today, that journey is remembered and celebrated in cultural expressions such as the Lisabi Festival. Yet beyond the festivities lies a deeper significance, a reminder of the sacrifices that made the present possible.

“The story of Lisabi and the Egba people offers an enduring lesson, particularly for a generation navigating its own challenges.

“It underscores the importance of collective action, the value of long-term vision, and the reality that meaningful change often comes at great personal cost.

“Lisabi may never have seen Abeokuta. He did not witness the unity and progress his actions would inspire, nor the stability that would eventually emerge. But his courage in the 1760s set in motion a process that would define a people.

“In the final analysis, the making of Abeokuta is not just a story of settlement; it is a story of persistence. And the legacy of Lisabi is not merely in what he achieved, but in what he began.

“It is a legacy that continues to inspire and build a new generation of Egbas and the many ‘firsts’ in a nation called Nigeria. As we celebrate the 39th edition, I challenge you all to imbibe the spirit of Lisabi in our nation-building efforts.”