The governments of Lagos, Oyo and Ogun have declared Thursday, August 20, 2026, as public holiday to celebrate the 2026 Isese Day.
The announcements were conveyed in separate statements issued by officials of three state governments.
Special Adviser to the Lagos Governor on Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Idris Aregbe, announced the public holiday in a statement released on Wednesday.
Aregbe said the Isese Day is more than a public holiday but a “living expression” of Yoruba spirituality.
The Special Adviser said the public holiday will allow residents to fully participate in the traditional celebration.
“Ìṣẹ̀ṣe is not a relic. It is a living expression of our traditions and a celebration of Yoruba spirituality as an important part of Nigeria’s cultural and religious landscape,” he said.
“When the drums sound in Lagos on Thursday, they answer drums in Havana, in Salvador, in Port of Spain. Fifty-five million people and counting. Lagos is not observing a local holiday. Lagos is standing at the centre of a global heritage.
“Whether you worship in a mosque, a church or a grove, Ìṣẹ̀ṣe Day belongs to you, because heritage has no denomination. Lagos remains the city where every heritage finds its place.”
Aregbe said Babajide Sanwo-Olu, governor of Lagos, has ensured that the practice continues as part of indigenous values and religious inclusiveness under the THEMES+ Agenda.
In a statement, Kayode Akinmade, special adviser on information and strategy to Ogun governor, said Isese Day provides an opportunity for adherents of the Yoruba traditional religion to honour their ancestors, and observe traditional rites.
Akinmade urged residents to celebrate the day peacefully and responsibly, while respecting the beliefs, rights and practices of others.
“It would be recalled that August 20 was formally declared a public holiday in Ogun State in 2023, following a resolution of the Ogun State House of Assembly and the approval of Governor Dapo Abiodun,” the statement reads.
“The government said Isese Day provides an opportunity for adherents of the Yoruba traditional religion to honour their ancestors, observe traditional rites and promote the values and teachings embedded in their spiritual and cultural practices.
“It noted that the celebration also promotes a sense of community among practitioners, while providing an opportunity for the wider society to appreciate and respect the rich cultural heritage of the Yoruba people.”
In a similar development, the Governor Seyi Makinde-led Oyo State Government communicated the public holiday to residents in a memo signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Musibau Babatunde.
According to the memo, the governor extended his felicitations to adherents of African Traditional Religion across Oyo State, Nigeria, and beyond, wishing them a successful and spiritually enriching celebration.
Makinde reiterated his administration’s commitment to fairness across all religions, expressing gratitude to traditional worshipper for their support of his government over the past seven years.
It would be recalled that Governor Makinde introduced the Isese Day celebration as part of his administration’s visionary efforts to honour adherents of traditional religion, and to harness cultural tourism as a driver of economic growth, emphasising that cultural tourism remains one of Oyo State’s greatest strengths.
The Isese festival, marked annually on August 20, is celebrated by adherents of the Yoruba traditional religion.