The Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture (LSCAC) and the Association of African Traditional Religion of Nigeria and Overseas (AATREN) jointly organised a one-day seminar on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at Akowanjo Playing Ground, Ajako Bus Stop, Shasha, Alimosho, Lagos, as part of preparations for the 2026 Isese Day celebration. The event, themed "The Role of Nigeria in World Culture Development," brought together traditional rulers, cultural leaders, and stakeholders in African Traditional Religion.
Government and Cultural Leaders Call for Positive Projection
Idowu Johnson, Director of Administration and Chief Executive Officer of LSCAC, represented Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu at the seminar. In a post on X, he urged AATREN members to project African Traditional Religion in a positive light, particularly to younger Nigerians. He also called on practitioners to actively involve children in cultural activities to sustain traditional practices across generations.
The keynote lecture was delivered by Chief Otunba Lekan Ajirotutu, known as Otunba Gbasaniyi of Mushin Land. He spoke on Nigeria's contribution to global cultural and heritage development, highlighting the country's rich traditions—from Yoruba drumming to Nok terracotta art—as evidence of a heritage that has long influenced the world. Chief Ajirotutu raised concern over the lasting impact of colonialism on indigenous culture, arguing that foreign religions were used as tools of domination that weakened Nigerians' connection to their own traditions.
Concern Over Global Embrace of African Heritage
Chief Ajirotutu noted that countries including China, Cuba, Brazil, and Venezuela now embrace and actively promote aspects of African cultural heritage with more commitment than many Africans themselves. "It is time for us to awaken to the legacy of our forefathers, to cherish the spiritual traditions of our ancestors, and to embrace the roots that define us," he said, calling on Nigerians to reclaim their heritage as a source of national pride and global relevance.
Chief Ifasegun Elegushi, known as Opemoluwa of Ikate Land and president of AATREN, addressed internal discipline within traditional communities. He cautioned members against adorning chiefs with crowns reserved strictly for kings, describing the practice as a breach of cultural heritage. He referenced newly established traditional laws that carry sanctions for violators and moved to correct widespread misconceptions around coronation customs in Yoruba society.
Royal Blessings and Clarifications
Chief Elegushi also offered prayers for peace across Nigeria, invoking the names of President Bola Tinubu, Governor Sanwo-Olu, Deputy Governor Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, and members of the Lagos State cabinet. The royal father of the day, HRM Oba Babatunde Akanni Nasiru Lawal Ogunronbi, Akinlowo I of Shasha Kingdom, explained the significance of the royal stole as a symbol tied specifically to African Traditional Religion, clarifying that it carries no affiliation with any other faith.
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu declared Thursday, August 20, 2026, a holiday for all public servants in the state for the 2026 Isese Day celebration. The decision was communicated through an official circular signed by the Head of Service, Bode Agoro, on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, and addressed to accounting officers and top functionaries across ministries, departments, local councils, agencies, and parastatals in the state.
