Isese Day: Makinde has fulfilled his promises to traditional worshipers— Acting Gov, Bayo Lawal

Oyo State Acting Governor, Barrister Abdul-Raheem Adebayo Lawal, on Tuesday, said the current administration in the State under the dynamic and indefatigable leadership of His Excellency, Engr. Seyi Makinde, has fulfilled his promise to traditionalists by graciously approving the declaration of every 20th August as public holiday for the celebration of Isese Day with effect from 20th August, 2023.

Speaking at the grand finale of the 2024 Isese Festival with the theme “Isese Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow,” held at the Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Adamasingba, Ibadan, the acting Governor noted that the celebrations is the first of its kind in the history of Oyo state. 

He explained that, in adding colour to this year’s celebration, the Makinde administration commenced the celebration of Isese Day in all the geopolitical zones of the State with a grand finale in Ibadan, the State Capital. 

This giant stride, according to him, had further accentuated an all-encompassing feel by the adherents across the State and made the citizens in other regions to have a sense of belonging with the presence of government officials.

He added that the State Government has also been promoting, publicising and preserving the Yoruba Traditional Cultures, Arts, Heritage and Beliefs through hosting of cultural-tourism festivals in every zone of the State, such as the recently held Sango Festival in Oyo, Aso-Ofi, Iyake and Beere Festivals in Oke-Ogun, Olele Festival in Ogbomoso and Oke-‘Badan, as well as the recently held World Egungun Festival in Ibadan.

Barr. Lawal, who hailed the festival as colourful for its rich entertainment content, said the Isese Festival was a testament to how Governor Makinde administration has been promoting religious harmony in the state since he assumed office in 2019.

According to him, apart from the development of Agribusiness, an area in which the state has a comparative advantage, the state government has also been working hard to develop culture and tourism to attract more investors and thereby expand the economy of the state.

The Acting Governor, however, commended the traditional worshippers for their peaceful coexistence and tolerance with people of other beliefs in the state, charging them to support government’s effort towards ensuring security of lives and properties in the state.

He said: “This journey started in 2019 but we thank God that it has manifested this year.

“This month is the recognised month in the Isese Calendar. Some of the six states in Yorubaland are observing the Isese Day today and they have declared a public holiday for Isese Day.

“We appreciate our people for their cooperation with the Oyo State Government. During our campaign in 2023, the governor promised that if he was re-elected, he would declare a public holiday to commemorate the Isese Day. Today, we are all happy that the promise has come to fruition.

“In Oyo State, we asked for the cooperation of all religious leaders including Christians, Muslims and the Isese faithful and we are happy as a government that we can see that you are all identifying with this government.

“Isese Day is not for tradition alone but for culture, entertainment and other features. Another thing that makes it meaningful is the fact that through its cultural tourism angle, it can help to increase our IGR.

“So, we are not just engaging in tradition for nothing sake but for the fact that it is contributing to boost the economy of the state.

“Since this government started, you would realise that we have not been joking with tourism. An example is how we are promoting Iyake Lake at Ado Awaye, Bower’s Tower in Ibadan and other tourist destinations in the state. All of these are in a bid to make sure that our culture and tradition in Yorubaland don’t go down the drain.

“Today is the grand finale of a week-long Isese Festival and I believe sincerely that all of us would have one thing or the other to take back home. As a government, we will continue to promote our culture and tradition as well as preserve our heritage.

“Under Omituntun 2.0, we believe tourism must be developed to boost our IGR and we have been doing this.

“I want to use this opportunity to assure us that we will continue to be tolerant with all the religions in Oyo State as we also believe our culture is our heritage.

“Let me also say that freedom of religion is enshrined in the constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria and you have to practise your religion unfettered. Feel free to practise your religion in our secure environment.

“In all the zones we have in the state, we have spread the tentacles of security and everywhere is safe for everyone, because we know it is our primary duty as a government to provide adequate security. And we will continue in that trajectory.”

Earlier in his remarks, the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr Wasiu Olatunbosun, said the celebration of Isese Day started in the state in 2023 and that it was celebrated across all the geopolitical zones of the state.

He charged the Isese adherents to support the government and continue to stand for unity and harmony among themselves and other residents.

The Aare Isese of Oyo state, Chief Omikunmi Egbelade, during his remarks, said the Isese Day 2024 celebration marked a significant milestone in the recognition and preservation of Yoruba ancient and revered traditions, as well as the rich cultural values that define us as a people.

He commended Governor Makinde for his unwavering support and steadfast commitment to the Yoruba cultural identity for officially declaring August 20th as a work-free day in honour of Isese Day.

He said: “His Excellency has not only acknowledged the importance of our faith but has also reinforced the spirit of unity and respect among the diverse religious and cultural communities within yo State.

“This visionary act is a testament to his dedication to fostering inclusivity and celebrating the rich tapestry of traditions that make our state unique.

“This year, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism under the umbrella of (Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun) has taken a commendable and innovative step by organizing an extended Isese Week, which has brought the celebration to various towns across our great state Ogbomoso, Ibarapa, Iseyin, Oke Ogun and Oyo.

“This week-long festivity has allowed us to showcase the diversity, beauty, and vibrancy of our traditions, ensuring that the spirit of Isese resonates in every corner of Oyo State. As we gather here today in Ibadan for the grand finale, we are reminded of the enduring strength and unity that our culture inspires.”