By RhemDy News
The Lagos State Government has declared Thursday, August 20, 2026, as work-free to mark this year's Isese Day in commemoration of Yoruba traditional religion worshippers.
The Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Idris Aregbe, described Isese Day as more than a public holiday to a day set apart to celebrate Yoruba spirituality, culture and indigenous identity.
“Ìṣẹ̀ṣe is not a relic. It is a living expression of our traditions and a celebration of Yoruba spirituality as an important part of Nigeria’s cultural and religious landscape,” Aregbe said.
He maintained that the Yoruba cultural tradition had a global following, with Isese-related festivals and practices maintained by communities in Brazil, Cuba and the Caribbean.
Aregbe stressed that the celebrations in Lagos would therefore form part of a wider global expression of Yoruba heritage.
“When the drums sound in Lagos on Thursday, they answer drums in Havana, in Salvador, in Port of Spain. Fifty-five million people and counting. Lagos is not observing a local holiday. Lagos is standing at the centre of a global heritage,” he said.
Governor Sanwo-Olu has maintained the declaration annually since 2023 as part of his administration’s emphasis on indigenous culture, religious inclusiveness and cultural tourism under the THEMES+ agenda.
Similarly, the Oyo State Government has also declared Thursday for traditional believers to celebrate the 2026 Isese Day.
According to a memo signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Musibau Babatunde, Governor Seyi Makinde extended his felicitations to adherents of African Traditional Religion across Oyo State, Nigeria, and beyond.
The Governor wished them a successful and spiritually enriching celebration.
Makinde also reiterated his administration’s commitment to fairness across all religions, expressing gratitude to traditional worshipper for their support of his government over the past seven years.
The memo noted that the work-free day will enable workers and residents to fully participate in the celebration of the state’s cultural heritage and pray for the peace, unity, and stability of the state in particular, and the country in general.
It would be recalled that Governor Makinde introduced the Isese Day celebration as part of his administration’s efforts to honour adherents of traditional religion, and to harness cultural tourism as a driver of economic growth, emphasising that cultural tourism remains one of Oyo State’s greatest strengths.
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