OYO DECLARES THURSDAY WORK-FREE TO MARK 2026 ISESE DAY

August 19, 2026

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By; Sunmola Ganiyat

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has declared Thursday, August 20, a work-free day to commemorate the 2026 Isese Day celebration.

The declaration was contained in a memo signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Musibau Babatunde, and made public by the governor’s Special Adviser on Media, Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju, on Wednesday.

Makinde congratulated adherents of African Traditional Religion in Oyo State, Nigeria and beyond, wishing them a successful and spiritually fulfilling celebration.

The governor said the work-free day would allow residents and workers to participate fully in activities celebrating Yoruba cultural and traditional heritage, while offering prayers for peace, unity and stability in Oyo State and Nigeria.

Makinde also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fairness and inclusivity across all religious groups, while appreciating traditional worshippers for their support over the years.

The Isese Day celebration was introduced by the Makinde administration as part of efforts to promote Yoruba cultural heritage and harness cultural tourism as a driver of economic development in the state.