Riding the Legacy: Fasina’s triumphant Journey at Lisabi Festival in Egbaland
Raymond Osho
In the heart of Egbaland in Abeokuta, Ogun state, amidst the serene southwest, there exist a timeless tradition that echoes the valour and spirit of a legendary hero – Lisabi.
The Lisabi Festival, a grand celebration to honor this revered figure, holds significance amongst the three families that form Abeokuta – Ake, Gbagura, Oke-Ona and Owu kingdoms, where tales of courage and leadership are deeply intertwined with the festival’s essence.
Among the descendants of Egba, a land steeped in rich history and ancestral lore, there arose a young man named Olajide Fashina.
Olajide Fashina is the CEO of Olageospatial Global Investment Company (OGIC), a company he established in Abeokuta for the development of the city and Ogun State in general.
Brimming with determination and pride for his heritage, Fashina embarked on a ceremonial journey as the ‘Balogun Woro’ of Owu Kingdom, a journey that would etch his name in the annals of the Lisabi Festival.
Mounted upon a majestic horse, decked in white Agbada, Fashina set out from the Latasu Compound in Owu as he dangled the locally made sword he held firmly.
The clatter of hooves against the earth harmonized with the whispers of the wind, carrying with it the weight of tradition and the hopes of his people.
The winding path led him to the grand edifice of Oke Ago Owu, the Palace of Olowu of Owu Kingdom, where HRM Saka Adeola Matemilola presided with regal grace.
There, amidst a canopy of history and tradition, Fashina bowed in reverence, offering his respect and seeking the blessings of his king for the upcoming Lisabi Day Festival.
But his journey did not end there, for Fashina’s spirit soared beyond the boundaries of Owu, transcending into the lands of Egba.
Paying homage to the Alake, the Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, Fashina stood tall and proud, his eyes reflecting the fire of his ancestors.
In the presence of royalty, under the watchful gaze of the Alake, Fashina humbly sought blessings for the success of yet another Lisabi Day Festival.
His words reverberated with sincerity, his actions spoke of unwavering devotion to his roots, and his presence embodied the legacy of a hero long past.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow upon the land, Fashina’s journey came full circle. His ceremonial ride, his homage to kings, and his prayers for prosperity echoed through the corridors of time, weaving a tapestry of tradition and honor that would endure for generations to come.
After the compulsory rituals were performed as usual, Olajide Fashina in an interview with journalists urged the federal government to address the country’s rising commodity prices and housing deficit.
He said the federal government should implement mortgage facility in order to provide affordable homes for all Nigerians.
Fashina while bemoaning the current economy noted that the delivery of affordable homes can only be possible through mortgage facilities.
“ As a matter of fact an affordable home is not possible. What we should be looking at is mortgaging. If the government can make mortgage facilities available for the people so that people can rent to own their house. As they are paying rent they are going to subtract some amount of money they need to pay.
“ So that if one lives 10 years or 20 years in a place you would know that within those years the government has already made provision of that money for the realtor to build and whereby you are paying to the government to own the place.
“ So the government should do for the people as it is done in developed countries, people outrightly don’t buy houses again they buy using credit facilities.
He also called for unity among the Egba’s stressing that the Lisabi festival is an opportunity for all to come together
“ There is still a need to foster unity among our people; there’s not much difference between the communities that makes up Egba land. We are one family, we are one brothers so it is important to foster unity and this Lisabi festival gives us the opportunity once in a year to unite as one and identify with our heritage.
“ I think that is the most important thing that is seen at the 37th Lisabi festival. So whatever we are doing like the woro dance and celebration the most important thing and bottom line is how does it progress unity and how can this festival bring some indigene of the egba land together. So that they can contribute and put their quota for the development of Egbaland.
