Festivals

Labode Unveils Bold Plan for World’s Tallest Drum

Published

7 months ago

March 18, 2026

Egbaliganza world tallest drum plan unveiled by Lai Labode, targeting tourism growth and economic boost in Ogun State

The founder and promoter of Egbaliganza, Lai Labode, on Tuesday unveiled a bold plan to construct a N350m world’s tallest drum to boost tourism and drive economic growth in Ogun State and Nigeria.

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Labode disclosed the initiative during a press briefing in Abeokuta ahead of this year’s Egbaliganza celebration, held alongside the 39th Lisabi Festival.

He explained that the cultural movement, launched in 2024, was inspired by the Alake and paramount ruler of Egba land, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, who challenged indigenes to develop ideas that would advance the growth of Egba land and Nigeria.

The project, described as a “drum of unity,” is expected to become a major tourist attraction and a global cultural symbol.

Egbaliganza world tallest drum plan, Labode said, will be funded through contributions from individuals across the world rather than a single sponsor.

“This drum will be built by an Egba son and owned collectively by people worldwide. It will attract tourists and promote our heritage,” he said.

He added that the structure would be named the Alake Egbaliganza Drum and positioned as a landmark for cultural tourism.

Labode noted that this year’s celebration would attract participants from over 50 countries, all paying homage to Egba hero Lisabi Agbongboakala and the Alake.

He said the event would also feature a vibrant showcase of indigenous fashion, blending tradition with modern creativity.

Royal figures, including the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba Saka Matemilola, are expected to participate in the fashion displays.

Egbaliganza world tallest drum plan forms part of a broader vision to preserve Egba heritage while creating economic opportunities through tourism and cultural investment.

In a notable clarification, Labode dismissed reports of any disagreement with organisers of the Lisabi Festival, stressing that Egbaliganza remains an integral part of the celebration.

He affirmed that the initiative would continue to complement the festival by showcasing the richness of Egba culture and attracting global attention.

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Observers say the ambitious project could redefine cultural tourism in Ogun State if successfully executed.

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Culture

OLOJO….Ile Ife’s September Gift To Culture

Published

16 hours ago

October 5, 2026

Mariam Balogun

By Halima Adaba,

It was a featubal if the people. It was for the anciebt town of Ile Ife, which the Yoruba race refards as the Source.

Also read: Olojo Festival 2026: Ooni Urges Leaders to Prioritise Citizens

And ut was a festivsl for the King, Arole Oduduwa, Oonirisa, Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II.

And so between September 24 and 28th 2026, the annual featuval dazzjed in all its white glory.

Tge Monarch paid the traditional ancestral homage and offered propitiation as part of the sacred rites of the Olojo Festival.
It was a powerful expression of Yoruba heritage, spirituality, and enduring tradition.

Call it a collection of beautiful moments, faces, colours and cultural expressions.

Every frame tells a story.

Every face carries the energy.

Every moment keeps the heritage alive.

Undoubtedly one of the most sacred cultural celebrations in Ilé-Ifẹ̀. It marked a day associated with creation, thanksgiving, ancestral heritage, and the sacred appearance of the Ooni of Ife wearing the revered Aàrẹ crown.

There were also the devotees of the famed god of thunder – Sàngó who were hardly conspicuous at the festival.

Many other traditional groups came out with candor, showing a powerful expression of Yoruba cultural identity, spiritual devotion, and respect for the ancient traditions of Ilé-Ifẹ̀.

Devotees of Sàngó bekieved the ‘appearance’ of the god of thunder on Seotember 26th could be understood as a symbolic meeting of ancestral heritage, spiritual devotion, and the celebration of creation.

It was a moment when the sounds of drums, chants, and traditional praise poetry brought the history of the Yoruba people to life.

Although Olojo is closely associated with Ogun, the god of iron, and the sacred traditions of Ile-Ife, the presence of Sàngó devotees reflected the rich diversity of Yoruba spiritual heritage.

Also read: Olojo Festival 2026: Ooni Urges Leaders to Prioritise Citizens

As a participant enthused at the festival, “To witness Sàngó Olúkòso emerge on Olojo Festival day is to witness a living expression of history, identity, and ancestral pride.”