The Oyo State Government has urged all residents to continue to live in unity, noting that the peaceful coexistence among adherents of different religions has remained one of the state’s greatest strengths and the reason it has continued to grow by leaps and bounds.
The Acting Governor, Bayo Lawal, stated this at the Grand Finale of the 2026 Isese Day Festival with the theme: “Unity is the Way to Success,” held at the Indoor Tennis Court of the Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Adamasingba, Ibadan.
Lawal, who was represented by the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor, Kazeem Adeniyi, lauded the adherents of African traditional religion for the harmony, coordination, and cooperation with adherents of other religions.
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The acting governor commended them for being committed to peaceful coexistence, and appealed for more support for the state government towards ensuring development and overcoming the challenges of insecurity in the state.
He congratulated the African traditional religion worshippers on the successful celebration of the 2026 Isese Festival, while calling on them to continue to preserve the Yoruba tradition and culture.
Lawal said: “His Excellency would like to congratulate the adherents of the African Traditional Religion across the 33 Local Government Areas of Oyo State and Nigeria on witnessing another Isese Festival.
“The message we would like to present is for them to continue to live in harmony with others and to continue to support the Oyo State Government in implementing policies and programmes that aim to develop the state, secure its people and also preserve the rich cultural heritage of the Yoruba,” he emphasised.
In his royal message, the Olubadan of Ibadan land, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, represented by the Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola, thanked Isese worshippers for their cordial relationship with other faiths.
He urged them to continue upholding and promoting tradition while ensuring the state remains free from social vices.
In their separate addresses, the Araba/Olu-Isese of Ibadanland, Araba Ifalere Odegbemi and the Aare Isese of Oyo State, Chief Omikunle Egbelade, appreciated Governor Seyi Makinde for his consistent support for culture and tourism.
The duo noted that the government’s commitment has fostered unity, peace, and religious tolerance while also boosting the state’s economy.
They described Isese as the traditional foundation of spirituality, morality, family, community, nature, and ancestral reverence, noting that Isese provides guidance on the Yoruba way of life.
Special prayers were offered for Governor Makinde, the people of Oyo State, and Nigeria.
Highlights of the celebration included traditional performances and cultural dances presented by representatives from the 33 local government areas of the state.
The event was attended by top government functionaries, traditional rulers, and heads of traditional religious organisations.
