By Daniel Oluwatobiloba Popoola
The Lagos State Government has declared Thursday, 20 August, 2026, a work-free day for residents to mark this year’s Ìṣẹ̀ṣe Day.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Idris Aregbe, announced the decision in a statement issued on Wednesday, 19 August, 2026, describing Ìṣẹ̀ṣe as a living part of Yoruba culture and spirituality rather than a practice that belongs only to the past.
He explained that Yoruba traditions continue to be preserved by millions of people in Nigeria and other parts of the world, noting that Yoruba communities and cultural groups in countries such as Cuba, Brazil and other parts of the Caribbean have also continued to maintain links with the traditions.
According to Aregbe, Ìṣẹ̀ṣe Day is held after a week of traditional activities and has been observed as a work-free day in Lagos since 2023, following a request from the Lagos State Council of Obas and Chiefs.
He disclosed that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has continued the practice each year as part of his administration’s approach to supporting indigenous culture and allowing different religious and cultural groups to practise their traditions.
He explained that this year’s celebration would include traditional prayers, rituals, processions, drumming and other cultural activities connected with the Òrìṣà, with the events coordinated by the Association of African Traditional Religion Nigeria and Overseas.
The state government called on residents taking part in the celebration to conduct themselves peacefully and respect people from other religious and cultural backgrounds.
