State Government has officially declared Wednesday, August 20, 2025, a public holiday in honor of the Isese Festival, a day dedicated to celebrating Yoruba traditional religion, culture, and heritage. This declaration underscores the state’s commitment to promoting inclusivity and recognizing the diverse religious practices that make up Nigeria’s rich cultural landscape.
Understanding Isese Festival
The word “Isese” translates to “tradition” or “origin” in Yoruba language. It refers to the Yoruba people’s traditional beliefs, particularly the worship of the Orisa (deities), reverence for ancestors, and observance of indigenous practices. For followers of the Yoruba religion, Isese Festival is their most sacred day — much like Eid for Muslims or Christmas for Christians.
Isese Day provides a platform for adherents of Yoruba traditional religion to gather, pray, perform rituals, and honor their ancestors. The celebrations are marked with vibrant cultural displays, drumming, chanting of Ifa verses, and other forms of traditional worship. It is not only a religious festival but also a cultural one, highlighting the depth and beauty of Yoruba heritage.
Lagos Sets the Pace in Religious Inclusivity
By declaring a public holiday for Isese Festival, Lagos State has once again shown why it is considered Nigeria’s melting pot of diversity. The city is home to millions of people of different ethnicities and religions, yet it has found ways to encourage peaceful coexistence among its residents.
While Muslims and Christians in Lagos enjoy public holidays during Eid-el-Fitr, Eid-el-Kabir, Easter, and Christmas, traditional religion practitioners have long demanded equal recognition. Over the past few years, Isese Day has gradually gained government support, and this year’s public holiday is being viewed as a major milestone for traditional worshippers.
Significance for Traditional Worshippers
For practitioners of Ifa, Orisa, and other Yoruba traditional religions, Isese Day is more than a celebration — it is an affirmation of their right to practice their faith openly without stigma or discrimination. For decades, many adherents have faced marginalization, with some labeling indigenous worship as “idol worship.”
The Lagos State Government’s decision now validates their place in Nigeria’s religious space. It offers them an opportunity to celebrate freely, hold processions, organize prayers, and showcase the richness of Yoruba spirituality without fear of being sidelined.
Broader Cultural Impact
Beyond religion, Isese Festival also plays an important role in preserving Yoruba cultural values. Nigeria, like many countries, faces the challenges of globalization and cultural erosion. Younger generations are often more exposed to Western and foreign cultural practices, sometimes at the expense of indigenous traditions.
The public holiday therefore serves as a reminder that culture is identity. It allows Nigerians, especially the youth, to reconnect with their roots, learn about their heritage, and appreciate the contributions of Yoruba traditions to global culture.
Cultural experts believe the move could also boost tourism. Just like Osun-Osogbo Festival attracts thousands of visitors from around the world, Isese Day in Lagos could eventually become a major tourist attraction, showcasing the state as a hub of Yoruba spirituality and culture.
Religious Harmony in Focus
One of the main talking points around this declaration is its potential to foster religious harmony. Nigeria is often described as a deeply religious country, but tensions sometimes arise among different faith groups. By giving traditional worshippers the same recognition as Christians and Muslims, Lagos State has set a precedent for fairness and inclusivity.
It sends a strong message that all religions deserve equal respect under the law, and that no group should feel like second-class citizens in their own land. This could encourage other states with large Yoruba populations — such as Osun, Oyo, Ogun, and Ekiti — to follow suit.
Critics and Concerns
Not everyone, however, agrees with the holiday declaration. Some critics argue that adding more public holidays could disrupt economic productivity, especially in a state like Lagos that is Nigeria’s commercial hub. Others, particularly from conservative Christian or Muslim backgrounds, have expressed discomfort, insisting that indigenous religious practices should not be put on the same pedestal as mainstream religions.
Despite the criticisms, supporters maintain that inclusivity is essential in a multicultural society. They argue that one day off work for cultural celebration is a small price to pay for religious justice, social cohesion, and cultural preservation.
Looking Ahead
As Lagos celebrates Isese Day, the spotlight is once again on Nigeria’s cultural richness. The declaration of August 20 as a public holiday will likely strengthen the confidence of traditional religion practitioners, encourage cultural revival, and open the door for greater recognition across the country.
For the people of Lagos, today is not just a day off work — it is a celebration of identity, tradition, and unity. The holiday acknowledges that Nigeria’s story cannot be told without honoring its indigenous faiths, cultures, and practices.
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