The Governments of Lagos, Osun, Oyo and Ogun States have declared Tuesday, 20 August, a public holiday to commemorate the 2024 Isese Day celebration.
Isese Day is a day set aside for traditional religion adherents in Yoruba to hold different kinds of festivals to celebrate their deities.
Popular among the Isese Day festivals are Eyo, Igogo, Ojude Oba, Olojo, Oro, and Sango festivals.
In a recent circular issued by the Secretary to Oyo State Government, Prof. Olanike Adeyemo, in Ibadan, the State Government declared August 20 a work-free day to mark the festivities.
Makinde in the statement enjoined all traditional worshippers and residents of the State to use the day to pray for peace, unity and stability of the State and the country in general.
Similarly, the Lagos State Government on Monday declared Tuesday, 20 August, 2024 as work-free for public servants in the State to mark this year’s Isese Day celebration, being the first time the State Government will declare public holiday for Isese Day celebration.
According to a a circular issued by the Head of Service, Bode Agoro, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu had approved that Tuesday, 20th August, 2024 be declared work-free day for public servants in the State. The circular said public servants were to resume work on Wednesday by 8.00am.
“It is hereby notified for general information that this Year’s Isese Day Celebration will hold on Tuesday, 20th August, 2024.
“In emphasizing 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 wide publicity,” the circular reads.
Also, the governments of Osun and Ogun States have in separate circulars by designated Commissioners for each state announced Tuesday as public holiday as approved by the State Governors.
The Commissioner for Home Affairs in Osun State, Hon. Abdul-Rasheed Kayode Aderibigbe disclosed the Isese Day public holiday for the State in Osogbo on Monday
“This is to inform the General Public that the Executive Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke has declared Tuesday, 20th August, 2024 as a Public Holiday to celebrate “ISESE DAY,” the Commissioner stated.
For Ogun State, the Special Adviser to Governor Dapo Abiodun on Media and Strategy, Hon. Kayode Akinmade, made the announcement as approved by the Governor.
Akinmade disclosed that the Ogun State Government declared Tuesday, August 20th, as public holiday to celebrate this year’s Isese day, in line with Dapo Abiodun-led administration’s firm belief in religious inclusivity.
According to a statement signed by the Special Adviser, the work-free day will allow traditional worshippers across the State to commemorate their special day.
The statement added that Ogun State remains an exemplary federating unit with enviable 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 right of others religions in the course of celebration, so as to sustain the inherent culture of religious tolerance in the State.
The statement 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.
