Lagos, Ogun, and Oyo declare public holidays for Isese Day

Governments in the Nigerian states of Lagos, Ogun, and Oyo have declared Thursday, August 20, 2026, a public holiday to observe Isese Day. The day celebrates Yoruba traditional religion, customs, and indigenous heritage.

In Lagos, officials expect more than three million participants to engage in rituals, processions, and cultural displays dedicated to the Òrìṣà. Idris Aregbe, Special Adviser to the Governor on Tourism, Arts and Culture, described the day as a “living expression” of Yoruba spirituality and a significant part of Nigeria’s cultural landscape.

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and Ogun State officials also designated the day as work-free to encourage religious inclusivity and the preservation of ancestral traditions. The celebrations aim to honor indigenous values and promote cultural tourism within the South-West region.