Lisabi, the Egba Journey, and the Making of Abeokuta

By Mustapha Abdulhakeem

The history of the Egba people is a powerful story of courage stretched across generations a story that begins in resistance, passes through hardship, and finds its fulfillment in unity and identity.

At the center of this historical journey stands Lisabi Agbongbo Akala, a figure whose actions in the 1760s reshaped the destiny of his people.

In the early to mid-17th century, the Egba people lived under the authority of the formidable Oyo Empire.

This system of control was enforced through tribute and political subordination, leaving many Egba communities with little autonomy. For years, this dominance went largely unchallenged.

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

Lisabi was not merely a warrior; he was a strategist. Recognizing that unity was the foundation of any successful resistance, he turned to the traditional Aaro system a communal labor practice as a tool for mobilization.

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 toward 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.

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

For decades, the Egba people moved across territories, seeking refuge and security. This was a defining period one that tested their resilience and threatened their cohesion. Yet, the spirit of independence ignited during Lisabi’s time endured. It became the thread that held the people together, even in the face of adversity.

They were, however, guided by Ifa divination, which revealed that Orunmila had prepared a place for them a refuge where they would witness tremendous progress when they arrived. The rest, as they say, is history.

By the early 19th century, that long journey found direction in Abeokuta. Chosen for its natural defensive advantages particularly the imposing Olumo Rock, Abeokuta offered the Egba people both protection and possibility.

But 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.

From a people once scattered by conflict, the Egba emerged as a structured and resilient society, capable of defending itself and shaping its future.

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.

Together, we can build a just and equitable society.

Lisabi Agbewa oooo!

High Chief Mustapha Abdulhakeem is  Akinfiwatolu of Egbaland, writes the piece  from Abeokuta

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