Speaking during a press conference on Tuesday ahead of Egbaliganza 2025 scheduled to hold April 5th , Chief Labode emphasized the importance of preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of the Egba people while positioning them as global leaders in the fashion industry.
According to Chief Labode, Africa currently holds only 1.2% of the global fashion market, which is valued at approximately $31 billion.
He added that Egbaliganza aimed to lead the movement to increase Africa’s share to at least 10-15%, with Egbaland playing a central role.
Chief lai labode stressed that Egbaliganza is more than just a fashion movement adding that it is a cultural and economic renaissance for the Egba people.
He highlighted that the initiative is focused on modern Egba art, high fashion, and innovation saying that the movement has already gained international recognition, with Egbaliganza making its debut at the London Fashion Week last year.
The creative director also stated that the upcoming Egbaliganza 2025 will celebrate the unity and cultural richness of the four major Egba townships Ake, Oke-Ona, Gbagura, and Owu under the theme “The Walkway of Kings.
His words “we think that we can establish a 1 billion dollar Fashion industry for Egbaland/Yoruba land.
“And that requires quite a bit of work and that’s the work we have started, that’s why we decided to to see professionals , Egbas across the world doing this movement.You’re going to be seeing a lot of our attire that we have created
“Each of these attire are going bro be properly documented for history, you’re going to see creativity that continues.
“Africa today only have 1.2% of the global African fashion market and that is just about 31 billion dollars, Egbaliganza has decided to take a lead to help Africa achieve between 10 or 15%.
“1.2 percent of the Global market kicking off in Abeokuta, Egbaland . It’s not enough to have good designers or individuals champions, it’s how we put Africa properly on the map.
“When you enter New York, Paris, London, Milan, you should be able to go to a place that is African store.
“We are so mature that we want to inspire others , we are ready to share from the things that we have done .
“At this time , we will establish a new era of creativity, part of what we are doing is to build a data base of Egbas across the world and showcase a new sense of pride for the Egba people.
“We call all Egbas world wide , all our sons and daughters across the world that a new time under the leadership of our kabiyesi His royal majesty, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo.
“Your knowledge, your creativity is part of what you need to bring, Egbaliganza provides you that opportunity and there’s nothing that we cannot do to the impact of Egbaliganza”he said.
Speaking earlier, the Chairman, Egbaliganza 2025, and the Abese of Egbaland, High Chief Yemi Lawal said the Egbas must instill the values of respect, diligence and unity.
He highlighted that Egbaliganza tends to preserve festivals, language, cuisine, and attires in Egbaland, noting that the unique ways of celebrating festivals in Egbaland made the Egbas proud people but not arrogant.
“Let us take a moment to reflect on the essence of our culture, let us reaffirm our commitment to promoting the beauty of our heritage, supporting the younger generation in embracing our tradition and ensuring that our culture remain relevant in contemporary times.”
In his remarks, the Project Director and Akinfiwatolu of Egbaland, High Chief Abdul Hakeem Mustapha, emphasized the significance of Egbaliganza in promoting indigenous fashion and empowering local artisans.
“This is about the celebration of fashion that is unique to the Egba people. We are trying to showcase the vibrancy of our people, and that is why this organization was formed,” he said.
He described Egbaliganza as an intense but rewarding initiative that will be featured as part of the Lisabi Festival, an annual event celebrating Egba heritage and unity.
Beyond the showcase of fashion, High Chief Mustapha revealed that the initiative also aimed to empower local artisans by reviving and sustaining the traditional art of Adire making.
“One of the programs we plan to do is to train people in the art of Adire making so that we can discourage the use of China-made Adire. We will train them, produce, and buy from them,” he stated.
Dignitaries at the colorful press conference held in Lagos include, the Akogun of Egbaland, Chief Adebayo Soyoye, Akinfiwatolu of Egbaland, Chief Abdul - Hakeem Mustapha, the Ofada boy, Tobi Fletcher, the Amona Barooyin of Egbaland, Chief Tajudeen Sodeinde among others.
