Lagos, Ogun declare Thursday public holiday to celebrate Isese festival

The governments of Ogun and Lagos have declared Thursday, August 20, 2026, as public holiday to celebrate the 2026 Isese Day.

The announcements were conveyed in separate statements issued by officials of Lagos and Ogun governments.

Idris Aregbe, the special adviser to Lagos governor on tourism, arts, and culture, announced the public holiday in a statement released on Wednesday.

Aregbe said the Isese Day is more than a public holiday but a “living expression” of Yoruba spirituality.

The special adviser said the public holiday will allow residents to fully participate in the traditional celebration.

“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, has ensured that the practice continues as part of indigenous values and religious inclusiveness under the THEMES+ Agenda.

In a statement, Kayode Akinmade, special adviser on information and strategy to Ogun governor, said Isese Day provides an opportunity for adherents of the Yoruba traditional religion to honour their ancestors, and observe traditional rites.

Akinmade urged residents to celebrate the day 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.”

The Isese festival, marked annually on August 20, is celebrated by adherents of 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. (TheCable)