The Ogun State Government has announced that Wednesday, August 20, will be observed as a public holiday in honour of the annual Isese Day celebration.
The declaration was made in a statement issued by Kayode Akinmade, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to Governor Dapo Abiodun, on Monday in Abeokuta.
“It will be recalled that the date was formally declared a public holiday in 2023, following a motion passed by the Ogun State House of Assembly and the concurrent approval of Gov. Abiodun,” Akinmade said.
He explained that Isese Day is dedicated to celebrating the Yoruba religion and cultural traditions. According to him, introducing the holiday reflects the governor’s recognition of the important role Yoruba heritage plays in the state’s identity and culture.
“Isese Day serves as an opportunity for adherents of the Yoruba religion to honour their ancestors, engage in traditional practices and promote the values and teachings inherent in their spiritual beliefs,” he stated.
He added that the celebration goes beyond religious observance. It strengthens unity among practitioners while also encouraging the wider public to respect and appreciate the Yoruba tradition, which he described as a vital part of Nigeria’s cultural richness.
In a similar news, Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has approved Wednesday, August 20, 2025, as a public holiday to mark this year’s Isese Day celebration.
The announcement was contained in a statement issued on Monday by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Olanike Adeyemo, and made available to newsmen in Ibadan, the state capital.
Adeyemo explained that the governor graciously granted the work-free day to allow traditional religion worshippers and other residents to celebrate the occasion.
She further stated, “His Excellency has therefore requested that the occasion be used to pray for the peace, unity and stability of the state in particular and the country in general.”
The statement also directed that the approval be widely publicised to ensure that residents and civil servants across the state are duly informed.
“Kindly give His Excellency’s approval, as conveyed, the widest publicity it deserves,” Adeyemo stressed.
GWG.ng reports that Isese Day, observed annually, is dedicated to celebrating the cultural heritage, values, and traditions of the Yoruba people. The festival has become a recognised holiday in several states across the Southwest in recent years.
Governor Makinde urged residents to seize the opportunity to reflect and pray for continued peace and stability in Oyo State and Nigeria as a whole.
