Mixed Reactions as South-West States Mark 2025 Isese Day With Public Holidays
By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
The South-West region of Nigeria will on Wednesday witness a blend of celebration and controversy as states adopt different approaches towards the 2025 Isese Day commemoration. While Osun, Ogun, Lagos, and Oyo have officially declared a public holiday for the annual festival, Ekiti and Ondo have opted out, drawing mixed reactions from cultural stakeholders and adherents of African Traditional Religion.
Roots of Isese Day in South-West Nigeria
The regional observance of Isese Day dates back to 2013, when the administration of former Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, formally institutionalised the festival. His government designated August 20 as a work-free day in Osun, emphasising the importance of recognising African Traditional Religion and the role its adherents play in societal development and cohesion.
Since then, the practice has gradually spread to other South-West states, with several governments adopting the holiday in recognition of Yoruba spirituality and cultural heritage. However, Ekiti and Ondo have consistently refrained from declaring the day work-free, a decision that has continued to spark debate about inclusivity and cultural recognition in the region.
Osun Declares Holiday in Honour of Yoruba Culture
In Osun State, Governor Ademola Adeleke officially declared Wednesday, August 20, a public holiday for Isese Day.
A statement signed by the Commissioner for Home Affairs, Hon. Abdul Rasheed Aderibigbe, explained that the holiday was intended to allow traditional religion worshippers to fully participate in the festival without disruption.
Governor Adeleke congratulated adherents of the African Traditional Religion, urging them to celebrate peacefully and within the framework of the law. He stressed that the festival was not merely about tradition but also about the preservation of the enduring values that unify the Yoruba people.
“This is a day of cultural pride and reflection for our people. It reinforces our identity and promotes unity across communities,” Adeleke said.
Ogun Joins, Anchors Holiday on Legislative Backing
Similarly, the Ogun State Government declared August 20 a public holiday. The decision was anchored on a law passed by the State House of Assembly in 2023 and subsequently assented to by Governor Dapo Abiodun.
In a statement issued by the governor’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, the administration said recognising Isese Day was a deliberate effort to uphold Yoruba spirituality, identity, and harmony.
“Isese Day is not just a holiday but a moment of reflection for adherents to honour their ancestors and strengthen the cultural values that define us. It is also an opportunity to deepen inter-communal harmony and tolerance,” Akinmade stated.
Lagos Declares Work-Free Day for Public Servants
In Lagos State, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu reaffirmed his administration’s support for traditional institutions by declaring the day a public holiday.
A circular issued by the Head of Service, Huiel Bode Agoro, explained that the decision was consistent with efforts to preserve indigenous culture and heritage. The circular further noted that all public servants are expected to resume work on Thursday, August 21, after the commemoration.
The Lagos Government’s decision has been welcomed by cultural groups in the state, who say the recognition affirms the multi-religious fabric of Nigeria and balances respect among faith traditions.
Oyo Embraces Isese Day with Calls for Unity
In Oyo State, Governor Seyi Makinde also approved a work-free day to mark Isese Day.
A circular signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Olanike Adeyemo, urged residents to use the occasion to reflect and pray for peace, unity, and stability, not just in the state but across the nation.
The statement added that Oyo State remained committed to sustaining cultural values that promote inclusiveness and social harmony.
Ekiti and Ondo Opt Out
While neighbouring states embraced the holiday, Ekiti and Ondo States maintained their distance. Neither government has declared a public holiday, continuing a tradition of exclusion that has persisted since the festival was first institutionalised.
Critics argue that by not recognising Isese Day, the two states risk alienating traditional worshippers and downplaying Yoruba cultural heritage. Supporters of the decision, however, contend that government resources and public holidays should be streamlined to avoid excessive work disruptions.
Significance of Isese Day
Isese Day, celebrated annually across Yorubaland, is devoted to honouring the traditions, deities, and values of the Yoruba people. The word “Isese” itself is a Yoruba term meaning “tradition” or “origin,” and the festival is regarded as a spiritual and cultural rallying point for adherents of African Traditional Religion.
Beyond rituals and prayers, the celebration serves as a broader reminder of Yoruba identity, history, and unity. Over the years, its institutionalisation by state governments has elevated its visibility and cemented its role as an official recognition of indigenous faith alongside Christianity and Islam.
Balancing Religious Tolerance with Cultural Preservation
The growing adoption of Isese Day across South-West states underscores Nigeria’s ongoing struggle to balance religious tolerance with cultural preservation. For many traditionalists, government recognition validates their faith in a society where Islam and Christianity often dominate public life.
For others, however, the question remains whether official recognition of traditional festivals should become a standard practice nationwide, especially in a country marked by religious plurality.
Outlook for the Future
As Isese Day continues to gain momentum in the South-West, calls are expected to grow for Ekiti and Ondo to reconsider their stance and align with the broader regional trend. Cultural leaders believe full recognition across all Yoruba-speaking states will not only strengthen unity but also highlight the richness of Yoruba civilisation to the world.
For now, however, the region will witness a patchwork observance on Wednesday — a reflection of the enduring tension between modern politics, cultural heritage, and religious inclusivity.
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