Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun Declare Thursday Work-free For 2026 Isese Day

Lagos, Ogun, Oyo and Osun State governments from the South West region of the country have declared Thursday, August 20, 2026, a work-free day to enable residents to participate in activities marking the 2026 Ìṣẹ̀ṣe Day celebration.

In Lagos State, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Idris Aregbe, announced the decision in a statement issued on Wednesday.

He said the work-free day was intended to allow Lagos residents and visitors to fully participate in the celebration, which is expected to attract more than three million traditional worshippers.

Aregbe described Ìṣẹ̀ṣe Day as more than a public holiday, stressing its importance to Yoruba spirituality and cultural heritage.

According to him, the preservation of Yoruba traditions has also sustained Ìṣẹ̀ṣe festivals in countries such as Cuba, Brazil and parts of the Caribbean where Yoruba descendants live.

‘’When the drums sound in Lagos on Thursday, they answer drums in Havana, in Salvador, in Port of Spain. Fifty-five million people and counting. Lagos is not observing a local holiday. Lagos is standing at the centre of a global heritage,” Aregbe said.

The declaration, according to the state government, underscores its commitment to preserving and promoting Yoruba culture, heritage and traditional values.

The government, in a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Information and Strategy, Hon. Kayode Akinmade, said the holiday would provide an opportunity for adherents of the Yoruba traditional religion to honour their ancestors, observe traditional rites and promote the values embedded in their spiritual and cultural practices.

It said, “Isese Day provides an opportunity for adherents of the Yoruba traditional religion to honour their ancestors, observe traditional rites and promote the values and teachings embedded in their spiritual and cultural practices.”

The government noted that the celebration would also foster a sense of community among practitioners and enable the wider society to appreciate and respect the rich cultural heritage of the Yoruba people.

It recalled that August 20 was formally declared a public holiday in Ogun State in 2023, following a resolution of the Ogun State House of Assembly and the subsequent approval of Governor Dapo Abiodun.

According to the government, the observance of Isese Day reflects the administration’s recognition of the important role of culture and traditional institutions in preserving Ogun State’s identity and strengthening social cohesion.

The statement added, “The celebration also promotes a sense of community among practitioners, while providing an opportunity for the wider society to appreciate and respect the rich cultural heritage of the Yoruba people.”

The government urged residents to celebrate the occasion peacefully and responsibly, while respecting the beliefs, rights and practices of others.

Also the Oyo State government in a circular signed by the Secretary to the Oyo State Government, Professor Musibau Adetunji Babatunde, on behalf of Governor Seyi Makinde urged residents to use the occasion to pray for peace, unity and stability in Oyo State and Nigeria at large.

The state government also called on residents to celebrate the day responsibly while reflecting on the values of peace, unity and cultural heritage.

Isese Day is observed to celebrate and promote the rich cultural and traditional heritage of the Yoruba people.

The Osun government said the work free day will allow traditional religion worshippers across the state to participate fully in the 2026 Isese Festival celebrations.

The government through a statement signed by the commissioner for Home Affairs, Abdul Rasheed Aderibigbe, on behalf of the state government.

According to the government, the decision reflects its commitment to recognising, preserving and promoting the cultural heritage and traditional values of the people of Osun State.

The government said the public holiday would also provide an opportunity to promote cultural awareness, foster unity and encourage greater appreciation of the state’s rich cultural traditions.