Isese Day: Lagos, Ogun declare Thursday public holiday

The Lagos and Ogun State governments have declared Thursday, August 20, 2026, a public holiday to commemorate this year’s Isese Day.

The announcements were contained in separate statements issued by officials of the two state governments on Wednesday.

In Lagos, Idris Aregbe, Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Tourism, Arts and Culture, said the holiday would enable residents to participate fully in the traditional celebration.

Aregbe described Isese Day as more than a public holiday, saying it represents a living expression of Yoruba traditions and spirituality.

“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,” he said.

He added that the celebration reflects Lagos’ position as a centre of global Yoruba heritage and cultural expression.

“Whether you worship in a mosque, a church or a grove, Ìṣẹ̀ṣe Day belongs to you, because heritage has no denomination. Lagos remains the city where every heritage finds its place,” Aregbe said.

He noted that Sanwo-Olu’s administration had continued to support the preservation of indigenous values and religious inclusiveness under the THEMES+ Agenda.

Similarly, Kayode Akinmade, Special Adviser to Ogun Governor Dapo Abiodun on Information and Strategy, said Isese Day provides an opportunity for adherents of Yoruba traditional religion to honour their ancestors, observe traditional rites and promote the values embedded in their cultural and spiritual practices.

Akinmade urged residents to celebrate peacefully and responsibly while respecting the beliefs, rights and practices of others.

He recalled that August 20 was formally declared a public holiday in Ogun State in 2023 following a resolution of the Ogun State House of Assembly and the approval of Abiodun.

According to him, the celebration also promotes a sense of community among practitioners and provides an opportunity for the wider society to appreciate the rich cultural heritage of the Yoruba people.

Isese Day, celebrated annually on August 20, is observed by adherents of the Yoruba traditional religion through various cultural activities, processions, traditional rites and worship.