Sodiq Rabiu
Abeokuta – Nigeria’s Ogun State Government has declared Tuesday, August 20, a public holiday to celebrate this year’s Ìṣẹ̀ṣe Day.
According to a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, the work-free day will allow traditional worshippers across the state to commemorate their special day.
The statement added that Ogun State remains an exemplary federating unit with an enviable level of religious cohesion and harmony, even in the face of diversity.
It urged traditional worshippers in the state to celebrate in moderation and respect the rights of others’ religions during the celebrations to sustain the state’s inherent culture of religious tolerance.
The statement also encouraged the adherents to use the special festive period to pray for peace and economic advancement in Ogun State and Nigeria at large, adding that prayers contribute immensely to the success of every nation.
Recall that on Wednesday, August 14, the Oyo State declared Tuesday, August 20 a work-free day to mark 2024 Ìṣẹ̀ṣe Day.
Last year, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde stated that every August 20 would be observed as a work-free day in the state in commemoration of Ìṣẹ̀ṣe Day.
Ìṣẹ̀ṣe comprises the traditional religious and spiritual concepts and practice of the Yoruba people. Its homeland is in present-day Southwestern Nigeria, which comprises the majority of Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Ondo, Ekiti, Kwara and Lagos states, as well as parts of Kogi state and the adjoining parts of Benin and Togo, commonly known as Yorubaland (Ilẹ̀ Káàárọ̀-Oòjíire).
Yoruba religious beliefs are part of Itàn (history), the total complex of songs, histories, stories, and other cultural concepts which make up the Yoruba society.