By Kazeem Akande
(NAN) Traditional rulers in Lagos State have preached religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence as they celebrate the annual Isese Day festival across the state.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Lagos State Government has declared Aug. 20 as ‘Isese Day’ for the celebration of traditional religions and beliefs.
Oba Sulaiman Ogun-Oloko, the Oniwaya of Iwaya Land, Yaba, appealed to the youth to embrace Yoruba cultural heritage, promote unity and leave peacefully in the community.
“This is the time we embrace unity, as we unite to celebrate our culture and traditions, we also need to participate in politics with unity without rancour or violence.
“Our culture is not dangerous as people think, this festival is meant to change the narrative of people who think Isese is evil.
“I also want to start by commending the Lagos State Governor, His Excellency, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu to have deemed it fit to declare the Isese-Day holiday the first time of its kind.
“It was declared in August 20th, 2023 and moving forward, when it started, it started like a joke, but now it has gone beyond reasonable imagination as every kingdom celebrates Isese Day,” he said.
Oba Ogun-Oloko added that the festival was more or less reawakening our Yoruba cultural heritage and culture.
“We have a lot of programmes that we have put in place, particularly showcasing the Yoruba heritage culture. Likes of the masquerades you saw outside. We have the Oya, we have the Sango, we have the Zangbetos, we have the Igunnukos, we have the Osun, and the likes of others.
The traditional ruler said that the Isese festival was the aspect of Yoruba religious, culture and traditions and beliefs about our heritage.
This is about the Yoruba heritage. You know, just like we know, we are celebrating culture and not way of worship.
The way we dress, the way we go about our daily activities, the way Obas and chiefs should be addressed.
Because going by what is happening in this recent times, most people don’t even respect Obas any longer. Like it used to be back in the days.
But with all of this cultural display, it gives them this sense of belonging that Obas tradition and culture has to be respected,” he said.
Chief John Kito, the Baale Titun of Makoko Community, thanked the government for recognising the traditional worshipers and giving them the opportunity to celebrate their festival.
“We thank the state government for the Isese Day holiday because it unites all of us and gives us leverage to celebrate our culture and beliefs annually,” Kito said.(NAN)
