Adeshina Akinpelu, a National Leader of the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC), has praised governors of Nigeria’s Southwest states for declaring Wednesday, August 20, 2025, a public holiday to celebrate Isese worshippers and their cultural heritage.
State governments across the Southwest region have designated the day a work-free holiday for public servants to mark the annual Isese festival, a vibrant celebration of Yoruba culture, spirituality, and ancestral veneration.
In Lagos, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu announced the holiday in a circular signed by Bode Agoro, the state’s head of service.
The circular states that public servants will observe a work-free day on August 20 and resume duties on August 21.
Ogun State also declared the holiday in a statement by Kayode Akinmade, a special adviser on information and strategy to Governor Dapo Abiodun. Akinmade noted that Isese Day was formally recognized in 2023 by the Ogun State House of Assembly.
He described the festival as an occasion for traditional religion adherents to honour their ancestors and promote spiritual values while inviting all Nigerians to appreciate Yoruba cultural heritage.
In Oyo State, Governor Seyi Makinde approved the holiday to enable worshippers and residents to participate in the festivities.
Secretary to the State Government Olanike Adeyemo urged residents to use the day for reflection, prayer, and to promote peace, unity, and stability across the state and country.
Osun State has also joined the declaration. AbdulRasheed Aderibigbe, commissioner for home affairs, said Governor Ademola Adeleke’s decision demonstrates commitment to recognizing the cultural traditions of the people.
He extended felicitations to traditional religious worshippers and called for peaceful celebrations.
Speaking on the development, OPC chieftain Adeshina Akinpelu lauded the governors for their visionary leadership and respect for Yoruba indigenous beliefs.
He emphasized that the public holiday strengthens efforts to preserve Yoruba cultural identity and fosters greater unity among the people.
Akinpelu also called on Isese worshippers to uphold the integrity of Yoruba culture and tradition by refusing to accept any individual who does not adhere to these values from being crowned as Oba (king) or given any chieftaincy titles.
He urged the community to safeguard the authenticity of their cultural institutions.