Four southwest states—Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, and Osun—have declared Thursday, August 20, 2026, a public holiday or work-free day to allow residents to observe Isese Day, an annual celebration of Yoruba traditional religion and cultural heritage. The announcements were made on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, ahead of the event.
Lagos and Ogun Declare Isese Day Holiday
Lagos state's special adviser on tourism, arts and culture, Idris Aregbe, announced that the state government had designated August 20 a work-free day so that residents and visitors could participate fully in the celebrations. Officials stated that the event is expected to attract more than three million traditional worshippers to the state.
In Ogun state, the holiday declaration came through a statement signed by the special adviser to the governor on information and strategy, Kayode Akinmade. The state government said the decision demonstrates its commitment to preserving Yoruba culture, heritage, and traditional values. Adherents of the Yoruba traditional religion would use the day to honour their ancestors, carry out traditional rites, and promote the values embedded in their spiritual and cultural practices, the statement added.
Oyo and Osun Follow Suit
Oyo Governor Seyi Makinde also declared a holiday for August 20 to mark Isese Day, which his administration set aside as an annual occasion to honour the cultural and traditional heritage of the Yoruba people. The announcement came through an official memo signed by the secretary to the state government, Prof. Musibau Babatunde, and was released to the public by the special adviser on media to the governor, Sulaimon Olanrewaju.
Osun state rounded off the announcements with its own holiday declaration, made through a statement signed by the commissioner for home affairs, Abdul Rasheed Aderibigbe. The Osun government said the decision shows its dedication to recognising, preserving, and promoting the cultural heritage and traditional values of the people of the state.
Growing Official Recognition of Isese Day
The simultaneous declarations across the four states underline the growing official recognition of Isese Day as a significant cultural and religious occasion in southwest Nigeria. The holiday allows residents to observe traditional rites and ceremonies associated with Yoruba spirituality, with Lagos alone expecting over three million participants.
