The governments of Osun, Oyo, Lagos and Ogun States have declared Tuesday, August 20, 2024, as a public holiday to celebrate Isese Day.
The United Nations had declared August 20 as World Traditional Religion (Isese) Day for the celebration of traditional religion globally.
While Osun state made the announcement on Sunday, Ogun and Lagos issued similar announcements on Monday.
Lagos Government declaring a holiday for the first time in a circular issued by the Head of Service, Bode Agoro said the 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.
The circular reads: “COMMEMORATION OF YEAR 2024 ISESE DAY – DECLARATION OF WORK FREE DAY
“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.”
Similarly, the Ogun State government in a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, said the public holiday declared to celebrate the year’s Isese Day is in line with the Dapo Abiodun-led administration’s commitment to religious inclusivity.
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.
It urged traditional worshippers in the state to celebrate in moderation and respect the rights of others’ religions during the celebrations to sustain the state’s inherent culture of religious tolerance.
The statement also encouraged 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.
Also, the Osun government in a statement issued by the Commissioner for Home Affairs, Abdul-Rasheed Aderibigbe, stated that Governor Ademola Adeleke approved the holiday to allow traditionalists to enjoy the special day.
It reads, “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”.
He also charged traditionalists to use the day to pray for the administration and the state to prosper, as well as endear unity among various religious groups across the state.
The Osun State Government since the Administration of Ogbeni Raufu Aregbesola had in 2012 adopted the Day as ‘Isese’ Day to allow traditionalists in the State to commemorate the day.
SAHEL gathered that the government of Oyo State was the first to declare a public holiday for the 2024 Isese Day celebration.
