In a powerful affirmation of cultural identity and spiritual heritage, the Ogun State Government has officially declared Wednesday, August 20, 2025, a public holiday, granting its citizens a day of solemn reflection and vibrant celebration for the annual Isese Day.
This declaration, a continuation of a policy first established in 2023, is far more than a day off from work; it is a state-sanctioned invitation to immerse in the profound depths of Yoruba cosmology, a deliberate pause in the modern calendar to honor ancient rhythms and ancestral wisdom.
The announcement, conveyed by Hon. Kayode Akinmade, the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, frames the holiday as a cornerstone of Governor Dapo Abiodun’s recognition of the Yoruba heritage as the very lifeblood of the state’s identity.
Isese Day is positioned not as a niche observance for a select few, but as a vital thread in the rich cultural tapestry that defines Ogun State, offering a platform for adherents to engage in sacred traditional practices, honor the legacy of their forebears, and reaffirm the values of community, respect, and spiritual balance inherent in their beliefs.
This institutional embrace of Isese Day sends a resonant message far beyond the state’s borders, championing religious inclusivity and cultural pride in a nation often segmented by other faiths. It fosters a unique sense of community among practitioners while simultaneously opening a window for the broader society to witness, appreciate, and develop a deeper respect for the philosophical depth and aesthetic beauty of Yoruba traditions.
By carving out this space in the public sphere, the Ogun State Government does not merely declare a holiday; it actively participates in the preservation and propagation of a living heritage, ensuring that the voices of the ancestors continue to echo in the modern world and that the teachings of Isese remain a vibrant and respected force in shaping the community’s collective future.
