By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
Lagos — The Lagos State Government has declared Wednesday, August 20, as a public holiday to commemorate the annual Isese Day, a festival celebrated by adherents of the traditional Yoruba religion.
In a statement issued by the Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, the government said the holiday is in recognition of the cultural heritage and values of the Yoruba people, as well as to promote inclusivity for practitioners of traditional religion.
Isese, meaning “tradition” in Yoruba, is a festival dedicated to the preservation, promotion, and celebration of the indigenous religion and cultural practices of the Yoruba. It is marked annually with prayers, rituals, drumming, dances, and lectures aimed at reconnecting people to their ancestral roots.
The celebration has, in recent years, become more prominent across southwestern Nigeria, with Osun, Oyo, Ogun, and Ekiti states also recognizing August 20 as Isese Day. Advocates of traditional religion have long argued for official acknowledgment, pointing out that adherents of Christianity and Islam already benefit from nationally recognized holidays.
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, while approving the holiday, reiterated his administration’s commitment to cultural preservation and religious harmony. “Lagos is a multi-ethnic and multi-religious society. Every faith deserves recognition and respect. Isese Day is not just about religion; it is about heritage, identity, and unity,” the governor said.
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The Merit Newspaper reports that the cultural leaders and traditionalists have welcomed the government’s decision, describing it as a victory for religious inclusivity. Chief Ifayemi Elebuibon, a renowned Ifa priest from Osogbo, explained in an interview that the festival serves as a reminder of moral values, communal unity, and respect for nature.
“Isese is our way of life. It teaches us responsibility, truth, and the importance of living in harmony with our ancestors and environment. Declaring a holiday for it is a bold step toward cultural justice,” Elebuibon said.
Observers say the recognition of Isese Day will not only deepen cultural appreciation but also boost tourism, as thousands of visitors often travel to Yoruba towns and cities to witness the colorful festivities.
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The Lagos State Government encouraged residents to use the holiday to participate in activities that foster understanding, tolerance, and peace among people of diverse backgrounds.
