Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fairness and equal treatment of all religious groups as the state government declared Thursday, August 20, 2026, a work-free day to commemorate Isese Day.
According to statement signed by Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju, Media Adviser to Governor Makinde, the declaration was contained in a memo signed by the Secretary to the Oyo State Government, Professor Musibau Babatunde.
Governor Makinde, while felicitating adherents of African Traditional Religion across Oyo State, Nigeria and beyond, wished them a successful, peaceful and spiritually enriching celebration.
The governor reaffirmed that his administration remains committed to fairness across all religions, while appreciating traditional worshippers for their support and contributions to the development of his government over the past seven years.
According to the memo, the work-free day is intended to enable workers and residents to participate fully in the celebration of Yoruba cultural and traditional heritage, as well as offer prayers for peace, unity and stability in Oyo State and Nigeria.
The governor had introduced the Isese Day celebration as part of his administration’s efforts to recognise and promote the cultural and traditional heritage of the Yoruba people.
The initiative is also aimed at harnessing the state’s rich cultural heritage and traditional institutions as key drivers of cultural tourism and economic development.
Makinde has consistently maintained that cultural tourism remains one of Oyo State’s greatest strengths, with the government seeking to use the state’s historical and cultural assets to attract visitors, create opportunities and stimulate economic growth.
The Isese Day celebration therefore provides an opportunity for traditional worshippers to celebrate their heritage while promoting peaceful coexistence and mutual respect among adherents of different faiths in the state.
