Ayomide Awe
The Egba Traditional Council has announced plans to establish a $1 billion fashion industry in Yorubaland as part of efforts to promote African culture and celebrate the resilience of the Egba people.
The initiative was unveiled at a press conference on Tuesday at the Erelu Yeye Oodua Renaissance Centre in Lagos, ahead of the 2025 Lisabi Festival.
At the event, the council also launched a fashion brand, Egbaliganza, designed to project Egba creativity and craftsmanship on the global stage.
Speaking at the event, Chief Lai Labode, the founder of Egbaliganza, explained that the brand is not just about fashion but represents the best of Egba heritage worldwide.
“The Egbas have always upheld high moral standards. Our unique styles, especially those from the 1950s, must be preserved. Egbaliganza is a reflection of that legacy,” he said.
Labode added that Egba creativity is boundless, noting that while Adire is produced in other parts of Nigeria, Egba craftsmanship remains distinct.
“Adire is made across Nigeria, but the way we craft it in Egba land sets us apart. Our goal is to ensure this cultural treasure does not perish but rather thrives globally,” he stated.
He further revealed that Egbaliganza was introduced last year and has now evolved to showcase the unity of Egba’s four townships—Ake, Oke-Ona, Gbagura, and Owu—during the Lisabi Festival.
This year’s festival, themed “The Walkway of Kings,” aims to celebrate the unity of the Egba people. Labode promised that the event would highlight traditional attires that connect the past, present, and future of Egba culture.
He noted that Egbaliganza has already gained international recognition. Last year, two special attires were showcased—one named after Lisabi, the Egba hero, representing bravery and resilience, and another after Losi-Egba, an Ogboni chief, which symbolizes regal elegance.
This year, the festival will feature a variety of traditional attires, including: Abeti Irin,Abeti Aja, Kembe Okukenu, Kembe Olowu and Kembe Oshile.
Labode emphasized that these designs will be documented for historical preservation.
Highlighting Africa’s small presence in the global fashion industry, Labode revealed that the continent holds only 1.2% of the global market, equivalent to $21 billion. He stated that Egbaliganza aims to increase Africa’s share to between 10% and 15%.
“We want to ensure that anywhere in the world, people can easily locate an African store that sells Egba and Yoruba fashion,” he added.
He also acknowledged the tremendous support of the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Dr. Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, in making the initiative a reality.
Chairman of the occasion, High Chief Yemi Lawal, described the festival as a dedication to the preservation and promotion of Egba culture.
“From the legendary Lisabi who led the Egba people to freedom, we must celebrate our unique identity. Egbaliganza is more than an event—it is a movement and a commitment to ensuring that Egba traditions do not fade in the face of modernity,” he said.
Lawal also stressed the need to instill values of diligence and unity in younger generations, urging that Egba festivals, attires, language, cuisine, and music must be preserved and celebrated.
The 2025 Lisabi Festival is expected to be a landmark event, projecting Egba culture onto the global fashion stage while fostering unity among its people.
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