Lagos joins Oyo, declares August 20 Isese Day, public holiday on Monday

Like in Oyo, the Lagos State Government has declared Monday, August 21 a holiday in commemoration of the 2023 Isese Day.

Worshippers of Ifa celebrate Isese Day on August 20. But like many public holidays that fall on weekends, this year’s Isese Day will also be observed on Monday, August 21.

In a statement, the Head of Service in Lagos State, Hakeem Muri-Okunola, announced the work-free day for public servants in commemoration of Isese Day.

He said, “It is hereby notified for general information that this Year’s Isese Day celebration will hold on Sunday, 20th August, 2023.

“In restating its commitment to continue to provide necessary support to traditional institutions in the State with a view to promoting our indigenous culture and tradition while preserving our heritage, Mr. Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu has graciously declared Monday, 21st August, 2023, a work-free day for public servants in the state.

“Work will, therefore, resume on Tuesday, 22nd August at 8a.m. prompt.

“Accordingly, Accounting Officers of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) are hereby enjoined to take note of the contents of this circular and give it the deserved service-wide publicity.”

In Oyo, Governor Seyi Makinde declared that Isese Day will be celebrated annually on August 20.

This comes in the face of hostility from the Emir of Ilorin to traditional worshippers. The monarch had stopped traditional worshippers from marking Isese Day, noting that Kwara State would not condone it.