Tuesday Declared As Public Holiday As Lagos, Ogun, Oyo and Osun Governments Honour Indigenous Traditions With "Isese Day" Celebration
In a move that spells of due recognition of traditional faiths in the scheme of affairs of modern society, the governments of Lagos, Ogun, Oyo and Osun states have declared Tuesday August 20, 2024 As Isese Day.
By: Abdulwasiu Akintunde
In honour of the 2024 'Isese Day' celebrations, the Governments of some South Western states namely:Lagos, Ogun, Oyo and Osun have all officially declared Tuesday, August 20th, as a public holiday.
As gathered by OPEN TELEVISION Naija (OTN) News on Monday, the Ogun State Government announced the declaration of the Isese Day via a post on the social media platform X, reiterating its belief in religious inclusivity and cultural diversity.
According to him, the decision underscores the states’ recognition and respect for traditional religious practices, allowing citizens to commemorate the annual festival that celebrates indigenous faiths and cultural heritage.
According to the post, Governor Dapo Abiodun's administration is committed to ensuring that citizens from all religious backgrounds are given opportunities to observe their festivals without hindrance.
The Governor’s special adviser on media and strategy, Kayode Akinmade, expanded on this, stating that the work-free day was intended to allow traditional worshippers throughout Ogun State to fully participate in the festivities.
Akinmade also stressed that Ogun is widely regarded as a model of religious harmony and peaceful coexistence despite its diverse cultural and religious makeup.
He urged those observing 'Isese Day' to celebrate in a manner that respects the rights and beliefs of others while using the occasion as a time for prayers for peace and economic prosperity in both Ogun State and Nigeria as a whole.
Similarly, in the aquatic state of Lagos, the Head of Service, Bode Agoro, conveyed the Government’s declaration of Tuesday August 20 as a public holiday in a formal statement.
Agoro emphasized that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu remains steadfast in his commitment to supporting traditional institutions and promoting indigenous customs across the State.
Agoro further noted that all public servants in Lagos are expected to resume regular duties by 8 am on Wednesday, August 21st, following the day of celebration.
OTN News further reports that Oyo and Osun States have likewise declared Tuesday, August 20th, as a public holiday, allowing their citizens to join in the celebration of Isese Day.
This coordinated moves by these Yoruba speaking States reflects a growing acknowledgment of the importance of traditional religious practices in Nigeria’s multicultural society, and the effort by thr State Governments to provide a space for these traditions to be celebrated.
Governments of the concerned states have appealed to adherents of traditional faiths to take advantage of the significant event for followers of traditional religions in southwestern Nigeria, to engage in traditional prayers prayers for the country.
OTN News reports that the Isese Day serves as both a religious observance and a cultural expression of indigenous belief systems that have endured for generations.
For many adherents of the traditional religion, the declaration of the Isese Day as a public holiday signifies the fulfillment of a long time desire of traditionalists for due recognition in the scheme of affairs in Nigeria, reinforcing government's broader objective of fostering religious tolerance and unity across different faiths.
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