The Ogun State Government has appointed businessman and culture expert Balogun Lai Labode as the new Aare of Egbaland.
His appointment represents a new effort to promote unity, revive culture, and support development in the Egba community. At a time when many communities are looking for identity and strong leadership, his selection provides clear direction.
His installation is also historic because he is now the youngest person ever to hold the Aare title in Egbaland.
Labode plans to focus on developing culture and heritage, growing businesses, expanding tourism, and supporting the creative economy. These goals will help make Egbaland more visible both in Nigeria and internationally.
Throughout his career, he has shown that culture is not just for tradition—it can also create jobs and boost the economy. He believes that communities grow when they embrace innovation, structure, and teamwork.
As CEO of CashToken Rewards Africa, he has transformed reward technology in Nigeria. The platform gives consumers cash rewards and helps businesses by encouraging better performance. This business approach shows his commitment to financial inclusion and people-focused economic growth—an approach he now brings into traditional leadership.
His work in the creative sector also supports this vision. As President of the Confederation of African Fashion, he plays a major role in Africa’s push to build a $500 billion fashion industry.
He also created the Afroliganza movement, which uses fashion, culture, and creativity as tools for diplomacy and economic development. Afroliganza celebrates African beauty, strengthens African identity, and connects the continent with the diaspora through cultural exchange.
As Aare, he plans to introduce Afroliganza to Egbaland through Egbaliganza 2026, a major cultural festival. This event will show how culture-based festivals can boost the economy of Ogun State by attracting tourists, increasing business activity, and promoting local artisans and creative entrepreneurs.
The expected rise in tourism will benefit hospitality, transportation, retail, craft markets, and small businesses across the state.
His plan also includes creating creative districts, artisan hubs, fashion academies, tourism routes, and cultural infrastructure that attracts investors.
This appointment marks the rise of a leader who knows how to combine tradition with innovation. With his strategic thinking, financial expertise, modern business ideas, and cultural leadership, Lai Labode is ready to honour Egba history while building a new future for Egbaland.
