Lagos, Ogun announce August 20 holiday for Isese Day
The governments of Lagos and Ogun states have declared Thursday, August 20, 2026, a public holiday to mark this year’s Isese Day.
The announcements were made separately by officials of the two state governments.
Idris Aregbe, special adviser to the Lagos governor on tourism, arts and culture, announced the holiday in a statement issued on Wednesday.
Aregbe described Isese Day as more than a public holiday, calling it a “living expression” of Yoruba spirituality.
He said the holiday would give residents the opportunity to participate fully in the traditional festivities.
“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, had supported the continuation of the practice as part of indigenous values and religious inclusiveness under the THEMES+ Agenda.
Similarly, Kayode Akinmade, special adviser on information and strategy to the Ogun governor, said Isese Day gives followers of Yoruba traditional religion an opportunity to honour their ancestors and perform traditional rites.
Akinmade called on residents to mark the occasion 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.”
Isese Day is observed annually on August 20 by followers of the Yoruba traditional religion.
The celebration features various processions and worship activities centred on the numerous deities within the Yoruba traditional religion.
The day is commemorated by several processions and worships of the multitude of gods that make up the Yoruba traditional religion pantheon.
