The governments of Lagos, Oyo, and Ogun states have declared Wednesday, August 20, 2025, a public holiday to mark this year’s Isese Day celebration.
Isese Day, celebrated annually by practitioners of the traditional religion, honors and promotes the cultural heritage of the Yoruba people.
Many Southwest states have institutionalised the celebration to honour the role of traditional beliefs in shaping their social and cultural identity.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu approved the holiday for all public servants across the state, according to a circular issued by the Head of Service, Huiel Bode Agoro.
“Mr. Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has declared Wednesday, 20th August, 2025 as Work-Free Day for Lagos State Public Servants in commemoration of the Day,” the circular stated.
The circular, addressed to top government officials, noted that the work-free day reaffirms the government’s commitment to promoting indigenous culture, traditions, and heritage while strengthening traditional institutions.
Work will resume on Thursday, August 21, 2025, at 8am.
In Oyo, the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Olanike Adeyemo, announced the public holiday in a statement issued on Monday.
The governor, Seyi Makinde, in the statement, indicated that he approved the work-free day to mark the Isese Day celebration.
Makinde urged all residents of the state to use the occasion to pray for the peace, unity and stability of the state and Nigeria in general.
In Ogun, the state government said the introduction of Isese Day as a public holiday reflects Governor Dapo Abiodun’s recognition of the vital role that Yoruba heritage and practices play in the state’s identity and cultural landscape.
“The celebration not only fosters a sense of community among practitioners but also invites the broader society to appreciate and respect the rich cultural tapestry that the Yoruba tradition contributes to Nigeria,” the statement by Kayode Akinmade, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, said.
