Traditionalists in Oyo State have urged Governor Seyi Makinde to follow the steps of fellow Governors in the region that have approved the Isese festival holiday.
They said Nigerian Constitution allows all citizens to practice their religion in as much as it does not affect freedom of others, saying it is unfortunate that such freedom of choice is not allowed to grow in Nigeria.
Ogun Assembly recently passed a bill approving the Isese Day holiday for traditional religion worshippers in the State.
The legislators gave their nod for the holiday on Tuesday years after their predecessors in the Chamber declined requests by the traditional adherents for the August 20th festival during which worshippers of various deities celebrate.
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A statement by Secretary of Traditional Worshippers Association (TWA), Oyo State chapter, Mogaji Fakayode Fatunde and the Public Relations Officer, Chief Taiwo Fagbohun, appealed to Makinde whose administration has brought different positive beginnings to declare the holiday.
The statement reads: “Our demand is anchored upon our right as a body of believers like our Christian and Muslim brothers and the the freedom entrenched in the Nigerian Constitution for us all to associate with our desired religion, we are well aware of Governor Makinde’s capacity to make the bold decision.
“The Ogun State House of Assembly Members anchored their resolution for the holiday on the need to propagate the rich culture and tradition of the State by preserving same for the oncoming generations.”
“Members of the Assembly called for the observation of every 20th of August as Isese-Cultural Day, which should be declared a work-free day.”