Ogun State Declares August 20 Public Holiday for Isese Day
The Ogun State Government has declared Wednesday, August 20, 2025 a public holiday in honour of Isese Day, an annual celebration of Yoruba tradition and religion. The announcement was made to inform residents and allow them to prepare for the cultural activities that will take place on the day.
Isese Day was first declared a public holiday in 2023 after the Ogun State House of Assembly passed a motion in support of recognizing the day. Governor Dapo Abiodun approved the decision to officially commemorate the day every year.
The celebration is dedicated to promoting and preserving the Yoruba religion and cultural practices. It gives people who follow traditional beliefs an opportunity to celebrate their heritage in a respectful and public way.
According to a statement issued by Kayode Akinmade, Special Adviser to the Governor on Information and Strategy, the public holiday shows how important the Yoruba cultural identity is to the state. He explained that the governor wants to ensure that all cultural traditions are honoured.
The statement noted that Isese Day is also a time for people to honour their ancestors and take part in traditional ceremonies. These ceremonies allow people to show gratitude and keep the teachings of the Yoruba religion alive.
Beyond religious observance, the celebration is also meant to bring communities together and encourage wider appreciation for Yoruba customs. It offers an opportunity for both practitioners and non-practitioners to learn more about the rich values of the culture.
The Ogun State Government believes that celebrating Isese Day helps to teach future generations about their history and encourages everyone to show respect for diverse beliefs and practices.
With the declaration of the public holiday, residents of Ogun State are expected to join the celebration, promote peace, and uplift the cultural traditions that continue to shape the identity of the Yoruba people.
