Lagos, Ogun declare holiday as Isese festival holds today

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State and his Ogun State counterpart, Dapo Abiodun, on Monday, declared today (Tuesday, August 20), as a work-free day for traditional religion adherents to celebrate the Isese Day or festival.

The Sanwo-Olu’s approval was made public through a circular signed by the Head of Service, Bode Agoro, with Ref. No: CIR/HOS/124/Vol.1/66.

“It is hereby notified for general information that this Year’s Isese Day Celebration will hold on Tuesday, August 20, 2024.

“In emphasising commitment to give necessary support to traditional institutions, as well as enhance the promotion of indigenous tradition by preserving cultural heritage, Mr. Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has approved that Tuesday be declared a work-free day for public servants in the state,” the circular read.

Similarly, Ogun governor’s  Special Adviser on Media and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, said Abiodun declared today work-free for Isese Day in line with his administration’s firm belief in religious inclusivity.

Akinmade said Ogun State remained an exemplary federating unit with enviable level of religious cohesion and harmony,  even in the face of diversity.

The state government urged traditional worshippers to celebrate in moderation and respect the right of others religions in the course of celebration,  so as to sustain the inherent culture of religious tolerance in the state.

Ìṣẹ̀ṣe in Yorubaland is a cultural activity comprising the traditional religious and spiritual concepts and practice of the Yoruba people, whose homeland is in present-day southwestern Nigeria – Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Ondo, Ekiti, Kwara and Lagos states, as well as parts of Kogi State.

Four South-West states of  Lagos, Oyo, Osun and Ogun had in August last year jointly declared August 20 every year as Isese Day.

The Lagos State Council of Obas and Chiefs had July last year urged Governor  Sanwo-Olu to officially recognise and declare August 20 as Isese Day holiday in the spirit of democracy and freedom of religion.

In an August circular issued by former Lagos Head of Service, Hakeem Muri-Okunola, and signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Gbenga Akosile, Sanwo-Olu said the recognition of August 20 as Isese Day was to serve as a means of preserving the indigenous Yoruba culture and its heritage.