Lagos declares August 20 work-free for Isese Day

The Lagos State Government has declared Thursday, August 20, 2026, a work-free day to allow residents and visitors participate in this year’s Ìṣẹ̀ṣe Day celebrations.

The annual festival, which celebrates Yoruba traditional religion, culture and heritage, is expected to attract more than three million participants, according to the state government.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Idris Aregbe, announced the declaration in a statement on Wednesday.

Aregbe described Ìṣẹ̀ṣe as more than a public holiday, saying it represents an important expression of Yoruba heritage and spirituality.

He said the work-free day would give Lagosians and visitors an opportunity to experience indigenous culture through traditional prayers, rituals, processions, drumming and other cultural activities.

“Ìṣẹ̀ṣe is not a relic. It is a living expression of our traditions and a celebration of Yoruba spirituality as an important part of Nigeria’s cultural and religious landscape,” Aregbe said.

He said the Yoruba people, estimated at more than 55 million globally, had continued to preserve their cultural heritage and transmit it to younger generations.

According to him, Yoruba-descendant communities in Cuba, Brazil and the Caribbean have also continued to observe Ìṣẹ̀ṣe traditions.

Aregbe said the celebration in Lagos would therefore form part of a wider global expression of Yoruba heritage.

Ìṣẹ̀ṣe Day marks the culmination of a week-long programme of traditional activities. Lagos has observed the day as a work-free day since 2023 following a request by the Lagos State Council of Obas and Chiefs.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has continued the annual declaration as part of his administration’s commitment to indigenous values and religious inclusiveness under the THEMES+ Agenda.

Aregbe commended the governor for supporting the celebration and acknowledged traditional rulers and other custodians of Yoruba culture for their role in preserving indigenous traditions.

The 2026 celebration will feature traditional prayers and rituals, processions, drumming and cultural displays dedicated to the Òrìṣà. The activities are being coordinated by the Association of African Traditional Religion Nigeria and Overseas.

Aregbe urged participants to celebrate peacefully and respectfully, saying the festival reflects Lagos’ position as a city that accommodates diverse cultural and religious traditions.

He added that Ìṣẹ̀ṣe Day was intended to promote cultural pride while providing an avenue for residents and visitors to engage with Yoruba heritage.