Oyo State’s esteemed leader, Governor Seyi Makinde, has bestowed the honor of August 20 every year as Isese Day within the state, according to a statement from the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Sulaimon Olanrewaju.
As a result, the governor has ordained Monday, August 21, 2023, as the inaugural public holiday to commemorate this significant occasion.”
The statement referenced a communication from the Secretary to the Oyo State Government, Professor Olanike Adeyemo, urging traditional worshippers across the state to use this period for prayers, specifically for peace, unity, and stability within the state and the nation as a whole.
This move underscores Makinde’s unwavering commitment to embracing diversity and showing reverence for all religious practices within the state.
Parallel Celebrations: Lagos State and Beyond
This announcement follows in the footsteps of the Lagos State Government, which had previously declared Monday as a public holiday in honor of this year’s Isese Day.
Similarly, Osun and Ogun states have also designated a day free from work to partake in the festivities.
Unveiling Isese Day’s Significance
Isese Day, derived from the Yorùbá term for “Tradition,” stands as a jubilation of Yorùbá traditions and religion, showcasing a blend of culture and spirituality through parties, festivals, parades, lectures, and the display of traditional garments. These vibrant festivities draw the attention of global tourists.
Beyond the confines of Southwest Nigeria, Isese Day binds together Yorùbá diaspora communities worldwide.
The Yorùbá people, a substantial ethno-linguistic group in Africa, constitute around 35% of Nigeria’s population, with a presence of approximately 40 million individuals throughout West Africa.
While predominantly residing in Western Nigeria, Yorùbá communities also flourish in Benin, Ghana, Togo, and the Caribbean.
Traditions and Rituals: A Glimpse into Isese Day
Customarily celebrated on August 20 in Osun, Isese Day is a cherished occasion for traditional worshippers to honor their deities.
Falling within the realm of the Yoruba traditional religion and encapsulated by the Ancient Religion Societies of African Descendants International Council, Isese Day sees the observance of prayer, dance, and animal sacrifices like cows, goats, dogs, and birds. These rituals are conducted at specific locations, determined by the nature of the deity. For instance, offerings to Osun are presented at the river, while Oro’s rituals take place at shrines.
The color white, accompanied by shades of red and black, dominates the attire worn by devotees during the festivities.
In the spirit of the day, the appropriate greeting is “Isese l’agba,” met with the response, “Isese l’agba gbogbo wa.”
