Isese Day: Oyo majority leader celebrates traditional worshippers, commends Gov. Makinde for promoting Yoruba traditions, history, culture

..Says his motion recognizing traditionalists on August 20 now a reality

Sanjo Adedoyin, the majority leader of Oyo state House of Assembly, has commended Governor Seyi Makinde for his efforts in promoting Yoruba tradition, history and culture, as well as religious unity in the state.

The lawmaker equally extended his warm felicitations to traditional worshippers across world on the 2024 annual Iseese Day celebration.

Recall that Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, had last year approved the celebration of annual Isese Day on every 20th of August, following a motion moved by the Oyo majority leader to grant a special holiday to adherents of traditional religion in the state.

Adedoyin, who stressed the importance of dedicating a day for adherents of traditional religion to celebrate as it is for Christians and Muslims in the country, also noted that some states in the Southwest region had already done so.

He equally appealed to the Executive arms of government to set aside every 20th of August as ISESE DAY in Oyo State, stressing the need to respect the beliefs of traditional religious worshippers. 

In his congratulatory message on Tuesday to commemorate the day, Hon. Adedoyin noted that the Governor’s approval of the Isese Day demonstrates his commitment to religious tolerance and unity, which is essential for peace and stability in the state.

He equally acknowledged the Governor’s efforts in bringing together different religious groups to foster understanding and cooperation.

Adedoyin 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.”

“So, I appreciate His Excellency, Seyi Makinde, for making every 20th of August as ISESE DAY in Oyo State as a reality and an important aspect of Oyo state.”

The lawmaker however urged all Oyo state indigenes to seize the opportunity to pray for the well-being and progress of the state and the nation while also stressing the need for tolerance, understanding and mutual respect among all citizens, regardless of their religious affiliations.