The governments of Lagos, Ogun and Oyo states have declared Thursday, August 20, 2026, a public holiday to mark the 2026 Ìṣẹ̀ṣe Day, allowing residents and adherents of the Yoruba traditional religion to celebrate their cultural and spiritual heritage.
The announcements were contained in separate statements issued by officials of the three state governments.
In Lagos, the Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Idris Aregbe, announced the public holiday on Wednesday.
Aregbe described Ìṣẹ̀ṣe Day as more than a public holiday, saying it is a “living expression” of Yoruba spirituality and an important part of Nigeria’s cultural and religious landscape.
He said the work-free day would enable residents to participate fully in the traditional celebration, while highlighting Lagos’ position as a major centre of Yoruba heritage.
According to Aregbe, Ìṣẹ̀ṣe traditions extend beyond Nigeria, connecting Yoruba descendants and communities across the world, including Havana, Salvador and Port of Spain.
He added that the celebration was open to everyone, regardless of religious affiliation, stressing that cultural heritage should be respected and preserved.
Aregbe said Governor Sanwo-Olu had continued to support indigenous values and religious inclusiveness as part of the THEMES+ Agenda.
In Ogun, the Special Adviser to Governor Dapo Abiodun on Information and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, said Ìṣẹ̀ṣe Day provides an opportunity for adherents of Yoruba traditional religion to honour their ancestors, observe traditional rites and promote the values embedded in their cultural and spiritual practices.
He urged residents to celebrate peacefully and responsibly while respecting the beliefs, rights and practices of others.
Akinmade 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 approval of Governor Abiodun.
The state government said the celebration also promotes a sense of community among practitioners and gives the wider society an opportunity to appreciate the rich cultural heritage of the Yoruba people.
In Oyo State, the Seyi Makinde-led government announced the public holiday in a memo signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Musibau Babatunde.
Makinde extended his felicitations to adherents of African Traditional Religion across Oyo State, Nigeria and beyond, wishing them a successful and spiritually enriching celebration.
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fairness across all religions and thanked traditional worshippers for their support.
The Oyo State Government said the work-free day would allow workers and residents to participate fully in the celebration of the state’s cultural heritage and pray for the peace, unity and stability of Oyo State and Nigeria.
The government also noted that Makinde introduced the Ìṣẹ̀ṣe Day celebration as part of efforts to recognise traditional religion and promote cultural tourism as a driver of economic growth, describing cultural tourism as one of Oyo State’s greatest strengths.
The Ìṣẹ̀ṣe festival is celebrated annually on August 20 by adherents of the Yoruba traditional religion to honour indigenous spiritual traditions, celebrate cultural identity and preserve Yoruba heritage.
