Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has declared Thursday, 20 August, a work-free day in commemoration of Isese Day 2026, a day dedicated by the state government to celebrating the rich cultural and traditional heritage of Yoruba people.
This was contained in a memo signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Musibau Babatunde.
As contained in the memo, the governor extended his felicitations to adherents of African Traditional Religion (ATR) across Oyo State, Nigeria, and beyond, wishing them a successful and spiritually-enriching celebration.
Makinde on Isese Day 2026
Governor Makinde reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fairness across all religions, expressing gratitude to traditional worshippers for their support of his government over the past seven years.
It was noted in the memo that the work-free day will enable workers and residents to fully participate in the celebration of the state’s cultural heritage.
Expectedly, workers would also be enabled to pray for the peace, unity, and stability of the state in particular, and the country in general.
Recall that Governor Makinde introduced the Isese Day Celebration as part of his administration’s visionary efforts to honour adherents of traditional religion.
He also saw the Isese Day Celebration as an opportunity to harness cultural tourism as a driver of economic growth, emphasising that cultural tourism remained one of the greatest strengths of Oyo State.
Makinde and the official recognition of Isese Day
Today, the iconic and historic Isese Festival is being celebrated across many parts of Yorubaland on the 20th August of every.
Apart from Oyo State, the celebration is particularly officially recognised in Lagos, Ogun, and Osun states where Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Dapo Abiodun and re-elected Ademola Adeleke, respectively, gave the Isese Festival an official nod.
The Oyo State government, in August 2023, officially recognised the celebration of Isese Day to allow for the celebration of the rich Yoruba socio-cultural and religious heritage.
The official recognition of traditional religion and culture followed the approval by Governor ‘Seyi Makinde of August 20 of every year as Isese Day in the state.
The approval was a clear indication of the governor’s commitment to inclusivity and respect for all religious practices in the state.
The celebration of the Isese Festival has since been described as a testament to the commitment of the Makinde-led administration to promoting religious harmony in Oyo State since he assumed office in 2019.
Makinde’s deputy on Isese Festival
Deputy Governor of the state, Chief Bayo Lawal, spoke to this effect at the grand finale of the 2024 edition of the Isese Festival, held at the Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Adamasingba, Ibadan.
He said, apart from the development of agribusiness, an area in which the state has a comparative advantage, the government was working hard to develop culture and tourism.
The acting governor added that the effort was aimed at attracting more investors and thereby expanding the economy of the state.
He commended the devotees of traditional religion for upholding the cultural heritage by promoting, publicising and preserving tradition, arts, heritage and beliefs through hosting of cultural tourism festivals across the geopolitical zones of the state.
Lawal also commended them for their peaceful coexistence and tolerance with people of other beliefs in the state.
He charged them to support the government’s effort towards ensuring security of lives and properties in the state.
The acting governor said: “This journey started in 2019, but we thank God that it has manifested this year.
“This month is the recognised month in the Isese Calendar. Some of the six states in Yorubaland are observing the Isese Day today and they have declared a public holiday for Isese Day.
“We appreciate our people for their cooperation with the Oyo State Government.
“During our campaign in 2023, the governor promised that, if he was re-elected, he would declare a public holiday to commemorate the Isese Day. Today, we are all happy that the promise has come to fruition.
“In Oyo State, we asked for the cooperation of all religious leaders including Christians, Muslims and the Isese faithful and we are happy as a government that we can see that you are all identifying with this government.
“Isese Day is not for tradition alone, but for culture, entertainment and other features. Another thing that makes it meaningful is the fact that through its cultural tourism angle, it can help to increase our IGR.
“So, we are not just engaging in tradition for nothing sake but for the fact that it is contributing to boost the economy of the state.
“Since this government started, you would realise that we have not been joking with tourism.
“An example is how we are promoting Iyake Lake at Ado Awaye, Bower’s Tower in Ibadan and other tourist destinations in the state. All of these are in a bid to make sure that our culture and tradition in Yorubaland don’t go down the drain.
“Today is the grand finale of a week-long Isese Festival and I believe sincerely that all of us would have one thing or the other to take back home.
“As a government, we will continue to promote our culture and tradition as well as preserve our heritage.
“Under Omituntun 2.0, we believe tourism must be developed to boost our IGR and we have been doing this.
“I want to use this opportunity to assure us that we will continue to be tolerant with all the religions in Oyo State as we also believe our culture is our heritage.
“Let me also say that freedom of religion is enshrined in the constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria and you have to practise your religion unfettered. Feel free to practise your religion in our secure environment.”
