The Oyo State Government has declared Thursday, August 20, 2026, a work-free day to enable residents across the state to commemorate this year’s Isese Day celebration.
The declaration was contained in a memo signed by Professor Musibau Babatunde, Secretary to the Oyo State Government, on Wednesday, August 19, 2026.
According to the statement, Governor Seyi Makinde approved the work-free day to allow workers, residents and adherents of African Traditional Religion to fully participate in the celebration of the state’s cultural and traditional heritage.
Governor Makinde also extended his felicitations to adherents of African Traditional Religion across Oyo State, Nigeria and beyond, wishing them a successful and spiritually enriching Isese Day celebration.
The governor urged residents to use the occasion not only to celebrate their cultural heritage but also to pray for the continued peace, unity and stability of Oyo State and Nigeria as a whole.
The government noted that the work-free day would provide residents with the opportunity to participate meaningfully in the annual celebration while reflecting on the importance of peace and unity in the state and country.
Makinde further reiterated his administration’s commitment to fairness and inclusiveness across all religions. He expressed appreciation to traditional worshippers for their support of his administration over the past seven years.
The Oyo State Government said the recognition of Isese Day is part of the administration’s efforts to honour adherents of traditional religion and promote the state’s rich cultural heritage.
Governor Makinde had previously introduced the Isese Day celebration as part of his administration’s efforts to recognise traditional religious practices and harness cultural tourism as a driver of economic growth.
The administration has consistently emphasised the importance of culture and tourism to Oyo State’s economic development, with the governor describing cultural tourism as one of the state’s greatest strengths.
Isese Day is dedicated to celebrating the cultural, spiritual and traditional heritage of the Yoruba people. Its observance in Oyo State has become part of the government’s broader effort to promote cultural identity, religious inclusiveness and tourism.
With the declaration, public workers and residents in Oyo State are expected to observe Thursday, August 20, as a work-free day while joining in the commemoration of Isese Day and offering prayers for peace, unity, stability and continued progress in Oyo State and Nigeria.
