The Ojora of Ijora and Iganmu Kingdom, Oba Dr. Abdul Fatai Aremu Aromire, has applauded Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu for declaring a public holiday to mark Isese Day.
The monarch led indigenes, chiefs, and residents in celebrating traditional day at his palace.
He said the annual cultural festival was dedicated to preserving Yoruba heritage.
The event featured traditional rites, prayers, and colourful displays that paid tribute to the ancestors.
Speaking at the event, Patron of Ojora and the Gomu Kingdom, Hakeem Ajayi Ojora, described the day as a remembrance of Yoruba forefathers.
“Today is a great day of honouring our ancestors. The way they lived, what they embraced, and what they passed on to us. We are continuing from where they stopped,” he said.
Councillor representing Ward B, Ijora Oloye, Liadji Saeed, commended the Lagos State Government for officially recognising Isese Day.
“For quite some time before it was formally declared, Isese was celebrated in Ijora because of our heritage. Our Kabiyesi has been a strong custodian of Yoruba tradition and a unifier of the race,” he said.
Saeed further called for the festival to be made more elaborate, entertaining, and educational in future editions.
Cultural enthusiast, Jim Taddey, urged parents to promote the Yoruba language in their homes.
“Our culture and language are our identity. Parents must teach their children to speak Yoruba so that the next generation does not lose touch with who they are,” he said.
The ancient rhythms of Lagos Island came alive as indigenes, traditional rulers, and cultural enthusiasts converged to celebrate Isese Day, a festival dedicated to Yoruba heritage and spirituality.
The celebration, which has now been recognised as a public holiday in Lagos State and other Southwest states, brought together masqueraders, chiefs, and tourists in a vibrant display of tradition and identity at the palace of the Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu.
For Abdul-Karim Balogun, Head of Unit for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Lagos Island Local Government, the festival remains a cornerstone of Yoruba culture and a powerful driver of tourism.
“Isese has a significant importance to tourism, arts and culture in Lagos State. That is why the state declared a public holiday to celebrate our culture, our heritage, and our traditions,” he said.
He praised the efforts of the Lagos Island Local Government Chairman, whom he described as a pillar of tourism and youth development, while stressing the need for stronger security to protect celebrants.
“Most people tend to use this Isese Day as a means of causing violence or chaos. Going forward, Mr. Governor should help us put more security in place to protect participants and ensure a violence-free celebration,” he said.
The celebration was not only a local affair but also drew international attention. Head of Corporate Services at the Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany in Lagos, Jörg Steckham, described the Isese experience as deeply impactful and culturally enriching.
“The Isese experience is truly impactful. It brings together art, music, tradition, and spirituality in a way that leaves a lasting impression. For me personally, it is a celebration I always look forward to attending, and I am willing to come back even bigger every year,” Steckham said.
He highlighted the global tourism potential of the festival, noting that such events could strengthen Lagos’ image on the world stage.
“Events like this are not just for the local community; they are an invitation to the world. They show that Lagos is not only a city of business and innovation but also a hub of living traditions that deserve international attention,” he added.
The day’s activities featured the iconic Eyo masqueraders, including the Adimus, Labas, and Onikos, who paraded in honour of Lagos heritage. Prayers were also offered for peace, stability, and economic growth.
With its blend of spirituality, artistry, and cultural pride, this year’s Isese Day reaffirmed Lagos Island’s place as a custodian of Yoruba heritage — and left both locals and international visitors with an experience to remember.
Last Wednesday would go down in the annals of the history of the Yoruba-speaking tribe of Southwest Nigeria as a red letter day indeed.
The reason for this is not farfetched: everywhere from Isale Eko, Papa Alanto in Abeokuta, Osun, Oyo, and other communities were all astir for Isese Day!
The Palace of Alagbado of Agbado, Oba Adedayo Ishola Shyllon Shogbolu in Agbado, Ifo Local Government area of Ogun State for instance, was agog with activities as different culture groups drawn from far and near were united in merriment, conviviality and ecstasy of some sorts. It was sans culture all the way!
Conceptualised with both young and old traditional enthusiasts clad in white linen and Ankara fabrics, the event exuded free-spirited vibes, complemented by captivating live performances of masquerades, who showcased their dexterities in changing to different costumes to the amazement of audience, adding a splash of colour to the festival.
The event also saw participation from Idin-Amileke Temple and Centre of Ancestral Knowledge, who filed in unison into the palace with the Temple’s Creed and traditional blessings for Oba Shyllon Shogbulu heralded commencement of the memorable day.
In a unanimous submission, traditional worshippers described Isese Festival at the event as, not merely a religious practice, but a holistic way of life rooted in the wisdom of Yoruba forebears anchored on prayers, offerings, and divination.
Speaking at the event, the Alagbado of Agbado kingdom, Oba Adebayo Ishola Shyllon Shogbulu noted that Isese is a cultural compass that calls all Yoruba sons and daughters worldwide to purpose, resilience, and the fulfillment of their destinies.
Oba Shogbulu who in a gratitude glow thanked the Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun and his counterparts in Lagos and Oyo States for declaring 20th August 2025 a public holiday to allow traditional worshippers enjoy the festival, urged other Southwest governors to emulate the good gesture.
The monarch who prided himself as a champion of Isese even before he became king, tasked other Yoruba traditional rulers still lagging behind to have a rethink, saying every Yoruba son and daughter born under a culture and tradition.
“When Oduduwa, our forefather, was on earth, he was neither a Muslim nor a Christian. The kingmakers who are selecting monarchs in Yorubaland are also neither a Muslim nor Christian, so why do we now bend on changing our inheritance? Those things were there before we were made the custodian of culture and tradition, and nobody was forced to become an Oba.
“Other religions are brought to us by foreigners; they are not our religion. And because they do not originally belong to us, that’s why there is always a religious crisis in Africa”, he opined.
The royal father also sued for peace over the recent supremacy battle between Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade and Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, saying the action of Alaafin towards Ooni was a distortion of history.
“Ooni of Ife is the head and the custodian of our tradition. Yes, we all agree that Oyo is the political headquarter of Yoruba, Ife remains the cradle of Yorubaland and it’s not possible that a grandchild would be competing with his grandfather”, he submitted.
Also speaking at the event, the Olu of Olomowewe kingdom, Oba Shofela Olalekan Tunde regretted that Yorubas have abandoned their culture and tradition for foreign religion.
He called on other Royal fathers in Yorubaland to emulate Alagbado in the manner he celebrates Isese Festival, to safeguard the culture and tradition of Yoruba from going into extinction.
In her own submission, the former Vice chairman of Agbado/Oke-Aro LCDA, Hon. Mrs Olagunju Oluwatoyin Adebo called on all descendants of Oduduwa home and abroad to protect their culture and tradition which is their inheritance.
She thanked the Governor of Ogun State Prince Dapo Abiodun for declaring the day a work free day to enable people to celebrate the Isese Festival.
For Amb. Olayemi Paul, who could not hold himself from rolling his waist to the rhythmic sound of ‘Iya-ilu’ and ‘bata’ drumming for Olorisas, is the nostalgic pleasure of traditional festivals which many have forgotten that Isese has relived in him.
Yappy as he is fondly called, said neglecting culture and tradition has taken away so many values from Yorubas and Africans by extension.
He urged all Yorubas, especially the upcoming generation, to embrace Isese as a collective responsibility to lift their culture and tradition and showcase it to the world.
Ondo State chapter of Assembly of Traditional Religion Worshippers (ATRWOS) has hailed the governors of Oyo, Osun, Ogun and Lagos states, Seyi Makinde, Ademola Adeleke, Dapo Abiodun and Babajide Sanwo-Olu for declaring yesterday as a public holiday to celebrate Isese Day.
The kind gesture, according to the Coordinator of ATRWOS, Chief Adewale Oso, in a statement made available by the Publicity Secretary of the group in Ondo State, Prince Ojopagogo Adeyinka, ‘’is a landmark recognition of the cultural and traditional values of our people.
‘’By officially setting aside a day to honour Isese, the governors have further demonstrated their commitment to inclusivity, cultural preservation and respect for the diverse religious heritage of Yorubaland.
“We, therefore, call on other governors in the Southwest and neighbouring states, particularly in Ondo, Ekiti, Kogi and Kwara states to emulate this noble idea by officially recognising and declaring Isese Day as a public holiday. Such a step will not only strengthen cultural identity, but also promote unity and peace within our communities”.
Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu, has urged residents to remain truthful and respectful as they celebrate this year’s Isese Festival.
He wished them a peaceful and successful commemoration of Yoruba tradition.
In his goodwill message, the monarch said honesty and mutual respect were vital for sustaining harmony and progress on Lagos Island and across Nigeria.
He prayed for peace, unity and blessings for the community as traditional worshippers observed the annual rites.
At the celebration, Chief Obanikoro and Secretary of Traditional Chiefs in Lagos, Chief Adesoji Ajayiwele, emphasised the spiritual significance of the event.
“We first have to thank the Governor of Lagos State for giving us a holiday on August 20. Isese Festival is about offering prayers for the peace of the country, nothing more than prayers. This is what we do here,” he said.
He dispelled fears of violence often linked to traditional rites, noting that Lagos Island had recorded over two decades of peaceful celebrations.
“In the past 24 years, we have not experienced any violence in Lagos during Isese. At my Oluwola Palace, we have many deities like Sango, Oya and Odunle Ogodoro. We don’t curse anyone; all our practices are for peace,” he added.
Executive Chairman of Lagos Island Local Government, Prince Taiwo Oyekan, reaffirmed the importance of preserving Yoruba culture.
“It’s our culture, and we celebrate it every year. This is my first Isese Day in office as the chairman, and I want to make it bigger so that our community can continue to enjoy peace,” he said.
He praised the traditional chiefs for their role in praying for the nation and Lagos Island, describing the festival as a showcase of Yoruba heritage.
A Lagos lawmaker, Mr Stephen Ogundipe, says the Isese (Sacred) Day encourages the the defence, promotion and preservation of Lagos cultural heritage with dignity and pride beyond prayers and rituals.
Ogundipe, who is also the Chairman, House Committee on Information, Security and Strategy, made this known in a statement in Lagos on Tuesday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Lagos State Government declared Wednesday, Aug. 20 as a work free day in the state in commemoration of the ” 2025 Isese Day’.
Ogundipe, representing Oshodi-Isolo 1,urged religious tolerance, and mutual respect among all faiths and traditions, adding that it was only in unity that they could truly harness the richness of their diverse identities as a people.
“Sincerely, it is in the true believers of our noble heritage in celebrating our Traditional Rulers, High Chiefs, and revered custodians of culture, especially those who, that through daily worship, keep alive the sacred bonds with our ancestral deities.
“Isese is not merely a religious practice, it is a holistic way of life rooted in the wisdom of our forebears.
“This is anchored on prayers, offerings, and divination, and guided by the belief that ancestral spirits can illuminate our path through life’s many challenges.
“It is a cultural compass that calls us to purpose, resilience, and the fulfillment of destiny,” he said.
As we commemorate this year’s celebration, Ogundipe said it was his heartfelt prayer that Eledumare would remove out worries, ease their burdens, and grant them abundant peace, joy, and prosperity.
“May God Almighty strengthen their faith, accept the sacrifices and guide their endeavors.
“May He grant every traditional worshipper and indeed all the people of the state the true essence of this year’s Isese Day”.
Lagos State Government has declared tomorrow as a work-free day for public servants in commemoration of Isese Day, an annual celebration of Yoruba culture and traditions.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu approved the holiday to enable traditional worshippers and the public to fully participate in the cultural observance dedicated to promoting and preserving indigenous heritage.
Ogun State Government has announced tomorrow as public holiday to commemorate the annual Isese Day celebration.
The day is set aside to celebrate Yoruba religion and tradition.
The state government, in a statement signed yesterday by the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, said the introduction of Isese Day as a public holiday reflected Governor Dapo Abiodun’s recognition of the vital role Yoruba heritage and practices played in the state’s identity and cultural landscape.
According to the statement, the celebration not only fosters a sense of community among practitioners, but also invites the broader society to appreciate and respect the rich cultural heritage.
Also, Oyo State Government declared tomorrow a work-free day to mark the celebration of Isese Day.
This is contained in a circular issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Olanike Adeyemo, yesterday in Ibadan.
The letter indicated that Governor Seyi Makinde approved the work-free day to celebrate the traditional religious day.
Osun State Government has also declared tomorrow as a public holiday to observe Isese Day.
A statement issued yesterday in Osogbo by the Commissioner for Home Affairs, Abdul Rasheed Aderibigbe, said Governor Ademola Adeleke felicitate s with the faithful of traditional religion worshippers and extends his best wishes to them for a joyous and memorable Isese Festival.
Some Southwest states have declared Tuesday, August 20, as a public holiday to mark this year’s Isese Day celebration.
Isese, the Yoruba word for tradition, is also used to denote different kinds of festivals held by adherents of the Yoruba traditional religion or culture in Nigeria and Cuba, Brazil, the United States, Benin, and other countries.
Here are things to know about Isese Day
1. Isese Day is mainly celebrated in Osun, Ogun, Lagos, Kwara, Edo, Ondo, Oyo, Ekiti, and Kogi states.
2. The regional day is observed to give a sense of belonging to adherents of traditional religions.
The Lagos state government has declared Tuesday, August 20, as work-free for public servants to mark this year’s Isese Day celebration.
This was announced in a circular issued by the Head of Service, Bode Agoro.
According to the circular, the governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu had approved that Tuesday, 20th August, 2024 be declared a work-free day for public servants in the State.
The circular said public servants were to resume work on Wednesday by 8.00 am.
The circular reads: “Commemoration of the year 2024 Isese day – declaration of work free day.
“It is hereby notified for general information that this Year’s Isese Day Celebration will be held on Tuesday, 20th August, 2024.
“In emphasising the commitment to give necessary support to traditional institutions, as well as enhance the promotion of Indigenous tradition by preserving cultural heritage, Mr. Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu has approved that Tuesday, 20th August 2024, be declared a Work-Free Day for Public Servants in the State.
“Consequently, work resumes on Wednesday, 21st August 2024 at 8:00 a.m. Accordingly, all Accounting Officers are enjoined to note the contents of this Circular and give it the deserved service publicity.”
The Ogun state government has announced Tuesday, August 20, as a public holiday to mark this year’s Isese Day.
In a statement signed by the special adviser to the governor on media and strategy, Kayode Akinmade, the holiday will allow traditional worshippers across the state to commemorate their special day.
He stated that Ogun state remains an ideal federating unit with an admirable level of religious cohesion and harmony, even in the face of diversity.
It, therefore, urged traditional worshippers in the state to celebrate in moderation and respect the rights of other religions in the course of celebration, to sustain the inherent culture of religious tolerance in the state.
He also charged the adherents to use the special festive period to pray for peace and economic advancement in Ogun state and Nigeria at large, adding that prayers contribute immensely to the success of every nation.
