Isese Day: Lagos Government Declares Public Holiday

The Lagos state government has declared a one-day work-free day for public servant workers on Monday, August 21, to mark the 2023 Isese Day celebration.

The Isese (the Yorùbá word for Tradition) Day celebration, which will take place on Sunday, August 20, is a day set aside to celebrate Yorùbá traditions and religion by displaying culture and spirituality in the form of festivals, parties, exhibitions, and public lectures.

In July, the Lagos State Council of Obas and Chiefs urged the Lagos state government led by Babajide Sanwo-Olu to declare August 20 as Isese Day holiday in the state.

In the argument of the council, having a public holiday for traditional worshippers would promote the spirit of democracy and freedom of religion.

“It is a demand that has been on the table of the governor for so long”, Elegushi of Ikate-Elegushi Kingdom, Oba Saheed Elegushi, said.

In reaction to the request, the Lagos state government, through the Lagos State Head of Service, Hakeem Muri-Okunola, issued a circular dated August 18 to recognize the day and declare a work-free day in commemoration of it.

The circular reads that the holiday aims “to promote our indigenous culture and tradition while preserving our heritage.”

It added, “In restating its commitment to continue to provide the necessary support to traditional institutions in the state to promote our indigenous culture and tradition while preserving our heritage, Mr. Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has graciously declared Monday, 21st August 2023, a work-free day for public servants in the state. Work will, therefore, resume on Tuesday, 22nd August, at 8 am prompt”.