Oyo Assembly Commends Governor For Fulfilling Promise To Traditionalists

The Oyo State House of Assembly has commended Governor Seyi Makinde for fulfilling the promise he made to traditional religious worshippers during his electioneering campaign period to grant their request for special recognition of Isese Day celebration in the state.

The House gave the commendation while reacting to Governor Makinde’s approval that henceforth, every August 20 be dedicated as public holiday to celebrate the Isese Festival in the state, as contained in a statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Olanike Adeyemo, on behalf of the Governor.

In a statement issued by the Chairman, House Committee on Information, Media, Public Affairs and ICT, Waheed Akintayo, and made available to journalists, the House expressed its happiness that the motion it approved on August 9, 2023, for approval of August 20 as ‘Isese Day’ celebration had eventually got the nod of the governor.

Special holiday

The House recalled that following a motion moved by its House Leader, Honourable Sanjo Adedoyin, which emphasised the importance of recognising the contributions and beliefs of traditional worshippers, it approved 20th of August, as already designated by several other states in the Southwest, as special holiday for the celebration of Isese Festival.

The statement reads in part: “We recalled with nostalgia that during the 2023 electioneering campaign, Gov. Seyi Makinde had expressed his support for granting a special day to celebrate Isese Festival. He had promised the Isese adherents that he would honour their proposal once it was approved by the State House of Assembly. 

“With this historic decision by the governor, Oyo State has set another example for other regions not only to celebrate and embrace their rich heritage but also to learn to foster unity and inclusivity among all religions without discrimination as being witnessed in some states in recent times,” the statement explained.

While congratulating the traditional worshippers on the celebration of this year’s Isese Festival, the House called on them to use the Isese Day celebration to pray fervently for humanity, Oyo State, and prosperity in each individual’s households.

Isese Day Festival is celebrated across the globe by traditional religion adherents on the 20th of August and the day is always set aside for prayers, offering of sacrifices and festivities.

NAN/Lateefah Ibrahim