The governments of Lagos, Osun, Oyo, and Ogun have declared Tuesday, August 20 as a public holiday to mark the Isese Day celebration.
On Monday, the commissioners of information for each state issued separate circulars to declare the holiday.
In a circular sent on Monday, Lagos’ head of service, Bode Agoro, stated that the decision shows Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to supporting traditional institutions and promoting indigenous traditions.
Agoro further stated that public workers in the state will start work by 8 a.m. Wednesday.
The announcement came shortly after the Ogun state government also declared Tuesday a work-free day to mark the festival in a post on X.
The post reads:
“Ogun State Government has declared Tuesday, 20 August, a public holiday to celebrate this year’s Isese Day, in line with the Dapo Abiodun-led administration’s firm belief in religious inclusivity.”
Kayode Akinmade, special assistant to the governor on media and strategy, said the work-free day will allow traditional worshippers across the state to commemorate the holiday.
According to the statement, Ogun state “remains an exemplary federating unit with an enviable level of religious cohesion and harmony, even in the face of diversity”.
The state government asked traditional believers to celebrate with moderation and respect the rights of other religions throughout the event.
It also urged believers to use the festival season to pray for peace and economic development in Ogun state and Nigeria.