Isese Day: 4 Southwest States declare august 20th public holiday 

Four Southwest States have declared August 20th (Tuesday) as public holiday to celebrate Isese Day.

The States are Lagos, Osun, Oyo and Ogun.

In separate statement on Monday by the State governments, the traditional worshippers were charged to pray for the Nation and economic advancement of Nigeria.

Head of Service in Lagos, Bode Agoro, said the decision further reaffirms Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the governor’s commitment to provide necessary support to traditional institutions, promote indigenous traditions.

Agoro added that public workers in the state are to resume by 8 a.m. on 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.

“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,” the post reads.

According to a statement by Kayode Akinmade, special adviser to the governor on media and strategy, the work-free day will allow traditional worshippers across the state celebrate the festival.

The statement added that Ogun state “remains an exemplary federating unit with an enviable level of religious cohesion and harmony, even in the face of diversity”.

The government urged traditional worshippers in the state to celebrate in moderation and respect the rights of other religions during the festival.

It also charged worshippers to use the special festive period to pray for peace and economic advancement in Ogun state and Nigeria.

Both Oyo and Osun also approved Tuesday as public holiday for the celebration.