Governor Seyi Makinde on Friday approved August 20 as a public holiday to mark and celebrate traditional religion in Oyo State.
Some traditional religion adherents under the umbrella of the Traditional Religion Worshippers’ Association in Oyo State (TRWASSO) in 2019 appealed to Governor Makinde to declare August 20 of every year as a public holiday for them to celebrate.
They requested a special day to mark the 2019 Isese festival, which was held in Ibadan, the state capital.
SaharaReporters on August 9, 2023, reported that the state House of Assembly approved a motion to grant a special holiday for traditional religion in the state.
Collectively known as Isese, the lawmakers approved the motion read by the Majority Leader, Hon. Sanjo Onaolapo.
Onaolapo stressed the importance of dedicating a day for adherents of traditional religion to celebrate as it is for Christians and Muslims in the country.
The lawmaker also noted that some states in the Southwest region had already done so, stressing the need to respect the beliefs of traditional religious worshippers.
Meanwhile, Governor Seyi Makinde then promised to sign the bill into law once passed by the state House of Assembly.
On Friday, Secretary to the Oyo State Government, Prof. Olanike Adeyemo, in a statement confirmed the approval by the governor.
The statement noted that the governor requested that the holiday should be used to pray for peace, unity and stability in the state in particular, and in Nigeria in general.
The statement titled, “Declaration Of Holiday To Mark Traditional Religious Festivity In Oyo State,’ reads, “The Oyo State Governor, His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde has graciously approved 20th August, 2023 of every year as “Isese day” in Oyo State, to commemorate the celebration of Traditional Religious festivity.
“Towards this end, Monday 21 August, 2023 has been declared as the maiden Public Holiday to commemorate this year’s festivity in the State.
“His Excellency has therefore requested that the occasion be used to pray for the peace, unity and stability of the State in particular, and the Country in general.”
“Kindly give His Excellency’s approval, as conveyed, the widest publicity it deserves,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, in Kwara State, there is controversy over how Isese Day would be celebrated this year as Muslim groups and the state police command have warned Ifa worshippers not to organise any public event.
The groups and the Emir of Ilorin, Ibrahim Sulu Gambari, claim it is idolatry and that the city is for Islamic religion.