Lagos Declares Public Holiday for Ìṣẹ̀ṣe Day as Millions Expected to Join Cultural Celebration

By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News

The Lagos State Government has officially declared Wednesday, August 20, 2025, a public holiday in honour of Ìṣẹ̀ṣe Day, the annual festival dedicated to celebrating Yoruba traditional religion, culture, and heritage.

With more than three million residents expected to participate across different communities, this year’s commemoration is projected to be one of the largest cultural gatherings in Nigeria’s history.

A Day of Heritage and Unity

Announcing the holiday, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Arts, Culture and Tourism, Hon. Idris Aregbe, emphasised the importance of the occasion, describing it as more than a break from work.

“This is not just a holiday. It’s a moment for Lagosians to reconnect with their roots and celebrate the values that shape our collective story,” he said.

The day is dedicated to honouring Yoruba ancestral traditions, paying homage to the deities, and preserving indigenous practices that have stood the test of time. It is also seen as a bridge linking generations, allowing the youth to learn, respect, and embrace the cultural values of their forebears.

Large-Scale Participation Expected

Local councils, traditional rulers, cultural associations, and various communities across the state are already making preparations for processions, traditional rites, musical performances, and public lectures.

In past editions, participation numbers have surged into millions, but officials project this year’s turnout will surpass all previous records given the level of mobilisation and public enthusiasm.

Markets, offices, and schools will remain closed on the day to enable residents to fully partake in the celebrations. Major roads in cultural hubs such as Ojota, Ikorodu, Badagry, and Epe are also expected to witness heavy activity, with processions, drumming, dancing, and colourful displays of Yoruba art and fashion.

Government’s Support for Indigenous Culture

The Lagos State Government has repeatedly pledged its commitment to preserving the city’s multicultural identity. The recognition of Ìṣẹ̀ṣe Day as a public holiday has been widely praised by traditional leaders and cultural advocates as a bold move that places indigenous practices on the same level of respect accorded to other religions.

Hon. Aregbe noted that the celebration not only honours the spiritual traditions of Yoruba people but also provides an opportunity to strengthen unity, tourism, and cultural pride.

“Our culture is our identity, and through Ìṣẹ̀ṣe Day, Lagos showcases to the world that diversity is a strength,” he added.

Significance Beyond Lagos

While Lagos takes the lead in formally institutionalising Ìṣẹ̀ṣe Day, similar celebrations are expected in parts of Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ekiti, and Kwara States, where traditionalists will gather in shrines and community squares for rituals and festivities.

Cultural experts argue that the growing recognition of the day is vital in countering cultural erosion caused by urbanisation and globalisation. They believe that by celebrating Ìṣẹ̀ṣe Day, Nigeria strengthens its historical memory and ensures younger generations do not lose touch with their heritage.

Looking Ahead

For many Lagosians, the 2025 edition of Ìṣẹ̀ṣe Day is not only about festivity but also about reflection on the enduring values of truth, respect, community, and harmony that Yoruba tradition upholds.

As the city prepares for the influx of millions into cultural centres, authorities have assured residents of adequate security, traffic control, and emergency services to ensure a hitch-free celebration.

In the words of a cultural leader from Ikorodu: “Ìṣẹ̀ṣe Day is a reminder that before anything else, we are people of heritage. By celebrating our roots, we secure our future.”

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