By 
By Abiodun OBA
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, and his Lagos and Osun states counterparts have approved Isese days.
In Oyo, Makinde declared Sunday August 20 of every year as Isese Day in the state while Sanwo-Olu and Adeleke declared Monday August 21 as a work-free day for all public servants in their respective states in commemoration of the 2023 Isese Day celebration which will be held on Sunday, August 20.
Makinde has declared Monday, August 21, 2023, as the maiden public holiday to commemorate the day.
This is contained in a circular signed by the Secretary to the Oyo State Government, Professor Olanike Adeyemo.
This declaration comes days after the state House of Assembly asked the state governor to approve August Day of every year as Isese Day in the State.
In the circular, the Governor urged traditional worshippers in the state to use the occasion to pray for the peace, unity, and stability of the state in particular and the country in general.
The approval indicates the Governor’s commitment to inclusivity and respect for all religious practices in the state.
In Lagos State, the Government circular signed by the Lagos State Head of Service, Mr. Hakeem Muri-Okunola, noted that the declaration of Monday as a work-free day for public servants by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu was “with a view to promoting our indigenous culture and tradition while preserving our heritage.
“In restating its commitment to continue to provide the necessary support to traditional institutions in the state with a view to promoting our indigenous culture and tradition while preserving our heritage, Mr. Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has graciously declared Monday, 21st August 2023, a work-free day for public servants in the state. Work will, therefore, resume on Tuesday, 22nd August at 8 am prompt,” the circular partly read.
The Lagos State Council of Obas and Chiefs had in July urged the Lagos State Government to officially recognise and declare August 20 as Isese Day holiday in the state.
The traditional rulers, who spoke at the inauguration of the state Council of Obas and Chiefs for another tenure of five years, said it had become important for the state government to recognise August 20 as Isese Day in the spirit of democracy and freedom of religion.
Speaking on behalf of the council, the Elegushi of Ikate-Elegushi Kingdom, Oba Saheed Elegushi, said, “It is a demand that has been on the table of the governor for so long.”
In Osun State, Governor Ademola Adeleke also declared Monday, August 21, work-free in commemoration of this year’s annual Isese Day celebrations.
A statement signed by the Osun State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Mr. Kolapo Alimi, on Saturday, said the governor, Ademola Adeleke approved the holiday being leader of a government that promotes oneness, unity, and religious harmony among practitioners of different religions.
Alimi, who urged Isese adherents to be peaceful in their celebrations further noted, “I have the honour and privilege to convey the compliment and best wishes of the Executive Governor of Osun state, His Excellency, Senator Ademola Adeleke to all traditional religion worshippers in Osun state on the occasion of this year’s 2023nhvhvjnb Isese Day celebrations coming up tomorrow 20th August 2023.
“As a government that promotes oneness, unity, and religious harmony between the practitioners of different religions in Osun State, Mr. Governor has approved, Monday, the 21st of August 2023 as a Public Holiday throughout the state.
“Finally, Mr Governor while congratulating all traditional religion worshippers and wishing them happy celebrations on this occasion, also wishes to implore them to make the occasion not only peaceful and fun-filled but another opportunity to pray for the government and good people of Osun state.
“The state government wishes Isese adherents a peaceful and rewarding celebration.”
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