Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu
Lagos joins Osun, Oyo, declares Monday, as public holiday for Isese festival
Lagos Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has declared Monday, August 21 as work-free day for the state’s public servants in celebration of the Isese Day.
In the South West region, Oyo State had earlier declared a public holiday for Monday for the same purpose, while the Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, last Saturday, also declared Monday, 21as a public holiday in commemoration of the festival.
However, an attempt to celebrate the festival by traditional worshippers had been halted in Kwara, as the state government and police refused to issue a permit to the applicants citing public disorder as reason.
Subsequently, some Islamic clerics under the authority of the State Government placed a ban on the celebration of Isese Day in Ilorin, the state capital.
Confirming the announcement, Mr Sanwo-Olu’s Chief Press Secretary (CPS) noted in a statement made available to journalists, that the Isese Day is set aside in Lagos to celebrate the indigenous Yoruba culture and traditions as well as the preservation of the Yoruba heritage.
According to a circular issued by the Lagos State Head of Service, Mr. Hakeem Muri-Okunola, this Year’s Isese Day celebration will hold on Sunday, 20th August, 2023.
He stated further that the declaration of Work Free Day by Governor Sanwo-Olu is reaffirmation of his “commitment to continue to provide necessary support to traditional institutions in the state with a view to promoting our indigenous culture and tradition while preserving our heritage”.
The circular announced Tuesday, 22nd August at 8:00am prompt as resumption of work for all state workers.
A statement issued by the state Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment in Osun State, Oluomo Kolapo Alimi confirmed the Monday public holiday for Isese day.
”I have the honour and privilege to convey the compliment and best wishes of the Executive Governor of Osun state, His Excellency, Senator Ademola Adeleke to all traditional religion worshippers in Osun state on the occasion of this year’s 2023 Isese Day celebrations coming up tomorrow 20th August, 2023.
”As a government that promotes oneness, unity and religious harmony between the practitioners of different religions in Osun state , Mr Governor has approved, Monday,the 21st of August 2023 as a Public Holiday throughout the state.
“Finally, Mr. Governor while congratulating all traditional religion worshippers and wishing them happy celebrations on this occasion, also wishes to implore them to make the occasion not only peaceful and fun-filled but another opportunity to pray for the government and good people of Osun state.
“The state government wishes Isese adherents a peaceful and rewarding celebration,” the statement read in part.
