The Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, has declared Thursday, August 20, 2026, a work-free day in commemoration of Isese Day.
The day is dedicated by the state government to celebrate the rich cultural and traditional heritage of the Yoruba people.
This was contained in a memo signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Musibau Babatunde, and made available to journalists by the Special Adviser on Media to the Governor, Dr. Sulaimon Olanrewaju, on Wednesday.
According to the memo, the Governor extended his felicitations to adherents of African Traditional Religion across Oyo State, Nigeria, and beyond, wishing them a successful and spiritually enriching celebration.
Governor Makinde reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fairness across all religions, and expressed gratitude to traditional worshippers for their support over the past seven years.
The memo noted that the work-free day will enable workers and residents to fully participate in the celebration of the state’s cultural heritage, and to pray for the peace, unity, and stability of the state in particular, and the country in general.
It will be recalled that Governor Makinde introduced Isese Day as part of his administration’s efforts to honour adherents of traditional religion, and to harness cultural tourism as a driver of economic growth. He emphasized that cultural tourism remains one of Oyo State’s greatest strengths.
