Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has declared Thursday, August 20, 2026, a public holiday in the state to mark Isese Day, an annual celebration honouring the cultural and traditional heritage of the Yoruba people. The declaration was made through an official memo signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Musibau Babatunde, and released to the public on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, by the Special Adviser on Media to the Governor, Sulaimon Olanrewaju.
Governor Makinde Reaffirms Commitment to Religious Equality
In the memo, Governor Makinde extended his greetings to adherents of African Traditional Religion across Oyo State, Nigeria, and the diaspora, wishing them a fulfilling and spiritually rewarding celebration. The governor used the occasion to reaffirm his administration's dedication to equal treatment of all religious groups in the state. He also expressed appreciation to traditional worshippers for the backing they have given his government over the course of seven years in office.
The memo further noted that the work-free day was intended to give workers and residents the opportunity to participate fully in Isese Day activities, as well as to offer prayers for peace, unity, and stability in Oyo State and across Nigeria.
Background of Isese Day in Oyo State
Governor Makinde introduced the formal observance of Isese Day as part of a broader effort by his administration to give recognition to practitioners of indigenous religion and to position cultural tourism as a pillar of economic development in the state. The administration has consistently maintained that cultural tourism is among Oyo State's greatest assets, and the annual celebration of Isese Day is seen as one of the practical steps taken to build on that potential.
According to the memo, the holiday applies to all public servants in the state, allowing them to join in the celebrations and cultural activities marking the day.
