The Olofin Adimula Culture and Traditions Foundation has commended former Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, for pioneering the declaration of August 20 as a work-free day to commemorate Isese Day.
The foundation also applauded the governors of Lagos, Ogun, and Oyo States for declaring Thursday, August 20, 2026, a work-free day to mark this year’s Isese Day celebration.
In a press statement issued on Thursday and signed by its Convener, Comrade Akinpelu Adesina, the foundation urged the remaining South-West governors to recognise August 20 as a public holiday.
According to him, Aregbesola should be given the credit as the first governor to declare a public holiday to celebrate Yoruba traditional religions and culture, during his tenure as the Executive Governor of Osun State.
Comrade Adesina, who is also the Atayese Olosun of Ibadanland, said Isese Day was set aside to celebrate Yoruba culture and traditional religion, and should be embraced by all Yoruba sons and daughters.
He added that recognising the day across all South-West states would promote cultural identity, unity, and respect for traditional heritage in Yorubaland.
The foundation’s convener further appealed to Yoruba families to trace their roots by revisiting and repackaging the deities worshipped by their forefathers.
He also admonished traditional religion worshippers to see the religion as a calling, and not a means of accumulating wealth.
Akinpelu revealed that he has concluded plans to revive Orisa Oko (New Yam Festival) in Ibadan and other major Yoruba towns, stressing the significance of the festival.
