Abeokuta came alive with colour, pageantry and deep cultural symbolism as Chief David Oluwaseun Ogunsanya staged a grand outing as the Balogun Woro of Ẹgba Oke-Ona, one of the major highlights of the 39th Lisabi Festival.
The event, which attracted traditional rulers, dignitaries, cultural enthusiasts and indigenes from across Egbaland and beyond, underscored the enduring relevance of the festival in celebrating the heroic exploits and legacy of Lisabi Agbongbo Akala, the legendary liberator of the Ẹgba people.
Newsbarrelng reports that the outing, steeped in rich Yoruba tradition, began with a symbolic Woro procession from Olumo Rock in Ikija, the ancestral home of the celebrant.
The historic site, regarded as a sanctuary and rallying point during ancient wars, provided a fitting backdrop as Chief Ogunsanya paid homage in reverence to the forebears of Egbaland.
Mounted on a beautifully adorned horse and dressed in resplendent traditional attire befitting his new status, the Balogun Woro, accompanied by drummers, warriors, cultural troupes and a large entourage of supporters, moved through major parts of Abeokuta in a carnival-like procession. The route included notable cultural landmarks such as Orori Sodeke and the Egba Cenotaph, where he joined other title holders to honour fallen Ẹgba heroes who paid the ultimate price for the freedom of their people.
The atmosphere along the procession route was electrifying, with residents and spectators trooping out in large numbers, chanting, dancing and celebrating the rich heritage of the Ẹgba people as the entourage made its way through the city.
In continuation of the traditional rites, Chief Ogunsanya proceeded to the palace of the Osile of Oke-Ona, where he received royal blessings in accordance with age-long customs. Fully adorned in symbolic regalia representing the valor and spirit of Lisabi, he thereafter led a grand procession to the Ake Palace, the seat of the Alake of Egbaland, for the grand finale of the festival.
At the palace, the Balogun Woro paid homage to the Alake amid applause from a distinguished gathering of traditional rulers, chiefs, Politicians, Captain of industries and invited guests, further affirming his role as a custodian of Ẹgba tradition and a symbol of unity within Oke-Ona.
Speaking shortly after the ceremonial rites, Chief Ogunsanya described his installation and outing as a historic milestone in his life, expressing gratitude to God, the traditional institution and the people of Oke-Ona for the honour bestowed on him. He pledged unwavering commitment to the promotion of cultural values, unity and socio-economic development of Oke-Ona and the entire Egbaland.
The celebration later shifted to a well-attended reception, where family members, political associates, friends, his mates from Mayflower Secondary School (ExMay) and well-wishers gathered to celebrate with the new Balogun Woro.
Many of the speakers at the event described the outing as colourful, befitting and a true reflection of the rich cultural heritage of the Ẹgba people.
The reception featured a blend of traditional music, cultural displays and modern entertainment, providing guests with a memorable experience. Renowned Apala maestro, Musiliu Haruna Ishola, thrilled the audience with energetic and captivating performances, drawing admiration from guests who danced and celebrated late into the day.
The 39th Lisabi Festival, which has continued to serve as a unifying platform for the Ẹgba people, once again reaffirmed its status as one of the most significant cultural festivals in Abeokuta, promoting history, identity and communal pride among the people.
