Oyo, Lagos, Ogun Mark Isese Day With Work-Free Holiday, Religious Unity Push

The governments of Oyo, Lagos, and Ogun have designated Thursday, August 20, 2026, as a work-free day to mark Isese Day, an annual celebration of Yoruba traditional religion and indigenous heritage. The three states' declarations allow public servants and residents to participate in the festivities without workplace obligations.

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, through his Deputy Chief of Staff Kazeem Adeniyi, used the occasion at Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan to reinforce his administration's commitment to interfaith harmony. The governor stated that his government would maintain conditions allowing Christians, Muslims, and traditional religion adherents to coexist peacefully and receive equal recognition across the state.

Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, the Allied Peoples Movement's senatorial candidate for Oyo Central, also addressed the celebration, urging residents to embrace religious tolerance during the festivities. In a personal statement, Ajadi commended the state government's decision to declare a public holiday and called on traditional religion worshippers to celebrate while respecting the beliefs of people from other faiths.

The three-state observance reflects the cultural significance of Isese Day in Southwest Nigeria. According to reports, Lagos alone expected more than three million participants to attend festivities including prayers, rituals, and processions.

The celebration marks one of the region's largest gatherings centred on traditional Yoruba religious and cultural practices.