Ayomide Awe
A fashion brand, Egbaliganza, designed to project Egba creativty and craftsmanship on the global stage 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.
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.
He emphasized that these designs will be documented for historical preservation.
“We want to ensure that anywhere in the world, people can easily locate an African store that sells Egba and Yoruba fashion,” he added.
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 Chairman of Egbaliganza 2025, emphasized the importance of promoting and preserving Egba heritage as a vital aspect of African culture and a testament to the resilience of the Egba people.
Speaking at the occasion, the Chairman highlighted that Egbaliganza is a celebration dedicated to the promotion, preservation, and propagation of the rich tradition and culture of our great Egba people.
He emphasized that those present at the occasion were custodians of heritage that has been passed down through generations.
The Chairman also added that the Egba people are known for their resilience, wisdom, and remarkable contributions to history, commerce, governance, and sociocultural advancement in Nigeria.
“There is a need to celebrate our unique identity,” he emphasized, stating that Egbaliganza is not solely about fashion but also promotes the resilience of the Egba people.
He further encouraged that Egbaliganza is more than just an event; it is a movement and commitment to ensuring that our traditions do not fade away in the face of modernity.
“We must instill in our youth the values of respect, diligence, and unity that define us as Egba people. Our festivals, proverbs, attire, language, cuisine, and music must be preserved and celebrated,” the Chairman stated.
The Vice Chairman, Chief Abiodun Atobateke, in his speech, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Alake of Egba Land, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, for his support in sustaining the culture of their forefathers.
He further shared insights from Kabiyesi’s interview with journalists the previous day, highlighting how the monarch successfully tapped into the creativity and brilliance of the Egba people.
The Vice Chairman emphasized that the Egba people possess great human resources, renowned globally for their exceptional talents.
He added that the Egba community is on the cusp of ushering in a new era of innovation and creativity, excelling in every endeavor they undertake.
Additionally, the Vice Chairman announced plans to designate three heritage areas in Egba Land.
He explained that these heritage areas are locations where the stories of the Egbas can be vividly revealed.
The Vice Chairman outlined the proposed heritage areas for development, including a housing estate, a site near the Governor’s Office, and the Palace, where the new Egba Modern Market is set to be established.
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