Three Southwest states Lagos, Oyo, and Ogun have declared Wednesday, August 20, a public holiday in commemoration of Isese Day, the annual celebration of Yoruba culture, spirituality, and traditions.
The Lagos State Government, in a statement on Monday, said Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu approved the work-free day to enable traditional worshippers and residents to fully participate in the observance, which is dedicated to preserving indigenous heritage.
Similarly, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde approved the holiday through a circular issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Olanike Adeyemo. The governor urged citizens to use the occasion to pray for peace, unity, and stability in the state and across Nigeria.
In Ogun State, the day was first declared a public holiday in 2023 after the House of Assembly passed a motion, which Governor Dapo Abiodun subsequently approved.
Isese — a Yoruba word meaning “tradition” — represents the cultural and spiritual practices handed down through generations. The festival honours ancestors, deities, and the Yoruba traditional religion, which is also recognized internationally by the Ancient Religion Societies of African Descendants International Council.
Beyond Nigeria, Isese Day carries global significance, but within the Southwest, it is officially observed in states such as Osun, Ogun, Lagos, Kwara, Edo, Ondo, Oyo, Ekiti, and Kogi.
The celebration features prayers, traditional dances, sacrifices to deities, and vibrant displays of colour, especially white, red, and black each carrying symbolic spiritual meanings. It is also linked to other major Yoruba festivals such as Ojude Oba, Eyo, Igogo, Sango, Olojo, and Oro.
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