- Westo Adekunle Adejumo | Premier World News
In Nigerian politics, visibility is often measured by presence, who shows up, who speaks, who commands the stage.
But at the Lisabi Festival in Abeokuta, a different model of political strength emerged.
Senator (Prof.) Iyabo Obasanjo was not at the event. She was in Abuja, engaged in party activities of the All Progressives Congress.
Yet, in her absence, her influence expanded.
The Lisabi Festival, a revered cultural celebration honoring Egba heritage, became an unexpected testing ground for political relevance.
What unfolded was not orchestrated from a podium but expressed through the people-supporters who chose to show up, organize and project allegiance without direct prompting.
The Anatomy of Organic Mobilisation:
Unlike traditional campaign structures, often driven by funding, logistics and top-down directives, the mobilisation seen at Lisabi reflected a bottom-up phenomenon.
- Unified messaging (“Iyabo for Governor”, “Iyabo ti de”)
- Coordinated attire (Adire Campala)
- Spontaneous chanting and street-level visibility
These are not just symbols; they are indicators of political penetration.
Cultural Legitimacy Meets Political Aspiration:
The significance of the venue, the Alake Palace, cannot be overstated.
Cultural spaces in Yoruba politics are not neutral grounds; they are arenas of identity validation.
To dominate such a space, even indirectly, signals more than popularity, it suggests acceptance.
The Olusegun Obasanjo Factor:
The arrival of Olusegun Obasanjo added another layer. The crowd’s reaction created a bridge between legacy and ambition, linking historical influence with emerging political capital.
Implications for Ogun 2027:
Three key signals emerge:
- Sustained Grassroots Appeal – Support that exists beyond physical presence
- Cultural Integration – Alignment with identity and heritage politics
- Momentum Without Dependency – A campaign that can grow without constant central direction
In a state where political structures are deeply entrenched, such signals are not incidental—they are strategic indicators.
Conclusion:
The Lisabi Festival may not have been designed as a political event, but it revealed something critical: power does not always need a stage. Sometimes, it needs only a people willing to carry it.
>>>> Open the link below to watch a short video clip of the Lisabi event, compiled by ‘Iyaniwura Media 19’👇
