Excitement as Oyo lawmaker, Sanjo Adedoyin moves motion for ‘Isese Day’

The Oyo State House of Assembly on Wednesday approved a motion to grant a special holiday to adherents of traditional religion in the state following a motion moved by the Majority Leader of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Sanjo Adedoyin. 

Onaolapo stressed the importance of dedicating a day for adherents of traditional religion to celebrate as it is for Christians and Muslims in the country.

The lawmaker also noted that some states in the Southwest region had already done so, stressing the need to respect the beliefs of traditional religious worshippers. 

Adedoyin, who spoke with MOUTHPIECE NGR correspondent on Thursday urged the executive to set aside every 20th of August as” ISESE DAY ‘ in Oyo State to give room for showcasing the much cherished value, custom, culture and tradition which is fast becoming moribund. 

He said: “Having a day set aside as” ISESE DAY’, will equally gives our people who are traditionalist a sense of belonging, joy and satisfaction. While Yoruba culture and values will be promoted to outside world and this in turned will attract tourists and other fun seekers to our dear state.

“It’s very saddened that some of our offsprings don’t know anything about our culture, custom, tradition, language, religion, food, songs, drums yet all these are being promoted and taught in their institutions of higher learning in places like Brazil, Cuba, Peru and these Akatas are identifying with these our values and cultures with pride and dignity. 

“We must not wait until these Oyinbos start teaching us our language, cultures, customs and values before we do something urgent to arrest the negative trend.”

MOUTHPIECE NGR understands that the motion,  which was unanimously passed after extensive deliberation, has continued to generate a positive reactions from Oyo state indigenes most especially transitional leaders. 

The motion was co-sponsored by the Chief Whip of 10th Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Gbenga Oyekola representing Atiba State Constituency and Hon. Adebayo Gabriel Babajide representing Ibadan North 2.

It should be recalled that Governor Seyi Makinde had promised to sign the bill into law once passed by the state House of Assembly. 

In July, the Ogun State House of Assembly approved a special holiday for Isese in the state years after their predecessors in the chamber had declined requests to do so. 

The holiday was fixed for August 20 annually, for adherents of traditional religion to celebrate.