NIGERIA: Isese Group Urges Tinubu to Declare August 20, 21 National Holidays

By Ameenat Hamzat, Lagos, Nigeria 

The International Council for Ifa Religion (ICIR) has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to formally recognise Isese celebrations at the national level by declaring August 20 and 21 as public holidays.

In a statement issued in Ibadan on Wednesday, the council’s President, Fayemi Fakayode, said the recognition would end what he described as “the present state of inequality” among Nigeria’s three dominant religions.

Fakayode said: “We call for national recognition from President Tinubu through the declaration of August 20th and 21st as public holidays for Isese across Nigeria.”

He commended governors in the South-West, including those of Lagos, Oyo, Ogun, and Osun, for already declaring August 20 a work-free day in their states, and urged other states such as Ekiti, Ondo, Kwara, Kogi, Edo, and Delta to follow suit.

Beyond the holiday, Fakayode called on the Federal Government to fund cultural festivals, protect shrines and sacred sites, and integrate traditional practitioners into national cultural councils in the same way Muslims and Christians are represented.

“Isese represents the foundation of Yoruba and African identity; it embodies morality, unity, reverence for nature and communal living. Celebrating Isese safeguards our heritage, promotes pride in our culture and strengthens enduring values such as honesty, respect and hard work,” he added.

The council also urged the government to invest in cultural sites across the country, describing it as a way to preserve heritage and boost revenue Through tourism.