By Cyril Ehis
To many stares in the South West of Nigeria, August 20 is no longer just any day.
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It is now recognised as the day that traditional religion worshippers use to celebrate their beliefs with a public holiday status.
Like every other festive period being celebrated in Nigeria, the Isese Day festival is an annual and significant cultural and spiritual celebration in Yoruba culture..
The day is set aside for traditional worshipers to celebrate their deities. The day is observed as the culmination of a week of traditional religious activities and festivities.
Isese Day, widely celebrated across the Southwest, especially in Lagos, is dedicated to honouring Yoruba deities, ancestors, and spiritual practices through rituals, festivals, and communal gatherings.
The holiday has gained increasing prominence in recent years, and the last festival on August 20, 2025 was not different..
From Lagos to Ibadan, Abeokuta to Ado Ekiti, festivities waa in the air.
Kayode Akinmade, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy in Ogun State said the observance underscored the administration’s recognition of the “vital role that Yoruba heritage and practices play in the state’s identity and cultural landscape.”
“Isese Day serves as an opportunity for adherents of the Yoruba religion to honour their ancestors, engage in traditional practices, and promote the values and teachings inherent in their spiritual beliefs,” Akinmade noted.
“The celebration not only fosters a sense of community among practitioners but also invites the broader society to appreciate and respect the rich cultural tapestry that the Yoruba tradition contributes to Nigeria.”
In the same vein, Fayemi Fakayode, President of the International Council for Ifa Religion (ICIR), described Isese as a central element of Yoruba and African identity, noting its role in promoting morality, unity, and communal living.
“Isese represents the foundation of Yoruba and African identity; it embodies morality, unity, reverence for nature, and communal living. Celebrating Isese safeguards our heritage, promotes pride in our culture, and strengthens enduring values, such as honesty, respect, and hard work,” he added.
In Lagos State, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu praised the people of the Southwest, particularly traditional rulers and traditional religious worshippers, for sustaining and preserving the cultural heritage of the Yoruba people.
The governor said although the world has become a global village, with an attendant result in multiculturalism, the Yoruba people have unique culture and traditions that must be preserved for the future generations.
“Isese Day is a time to reflect on our rich heritage and values as Lagosians. This provides an opportunity for our people to connect with their roots, celebrate our traditions, and promote unity in our diverse state.”
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Activities recorded on this year’s Isese Day included visits to sacred sites, traditional music and dance performances, and communal prayers.
