The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kolawole Salako, on behalf of the University community, has rejoiced with the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, HRM Oba (Dr.) Adedotun Gbadebo, Okukenu IV, on the celebration of the 34th Lisabi Festival held at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Abeokuta. At the occasion, the Vice-Chancellor lauded the Alake for sustaining the cultural heritage of both the Egbas and Yorubas, noting that the gesture would project the ancient city to the world. Represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Bolanle Akeredolu-Ale, the Vice-Chancellor congratulated indigenes of Egbaland that were conferred with chieftaincy titles and prayed for the Alake’s longevity on the throne.

Oba Gbadebo urged Nigerians to give room for healthy rivalry among the various tribes in the country, stating that such healthy competition could lead to exchange of ideas, and national development. According to the Alake, it is a great thing to borrow ideas and traditions from other tribes, use them creatively, to become better. The Executive Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, urged the people of the state to be patriotic, selfless and imbibe all the virtues of the late Lisabi, advising that the people of the state should remember that they owe their existence to the sacrifices and heroic deeds of their past heroes in Egbaland, Ogun State and indeed, Nigeria. He admonished them to see the celebration as a reminder of their individual and collective responsibilities to their motherland, stressing that Lisabi’s enviable legacy should serve and propel them to be good citizens.