Sanwo-Olu Declares Thursday Work-Free For Lagos Ìṣẹ̀ṣe Day

Sanwo-Olu Declares Thursday Work-Free For Lagos Ìṣẹ̀ṣe Day
Targets three million participants
Aregbe described Ìṣẹ̀ṣe Day as more than a public holiday, saying the annual celebration provides an opportunity to preserve and promote Yoruba spirituality, traditions and cultural identity

The Lagos State Government has declared Thursday, August 20, 2026, a work-free day to allow residents and visitors to participate in activities marking this year’s Ìṣẹ̀ṣe Day celebration.

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Eko Hot Blog reports that the state government said more than three million people are expected to participate in events celebrating Yoruba traditional religion, culture and indigenous heritage.

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The Special Adviser to the Governor on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Idris Aregbe, announced the decision in a statement issued on Wednesday.

Aregbe described Ìṣẹ̀ṣe Day as more than a public holiday, saying the annual celebration provides an opportunity to preserve and promote Yoruba spirituality, traditions and cultural identity.

“Ìṣẹ̀ṣe is not a relic. It is a living expression of our traditions and a celebration of Yoruba spirituality as an important part of Nigeria’s cultural and religious landscape,” he said.

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He noted that the Yoruba people, whose global population he estimated at more than 55 million, had continued to preserve their traditions and pass them from one generation to another.

According to him, Yoruba cultural practices have also remained alive among communities in countries such as Cuba, Brazil and parts of the Caribbean.

“When the drums sound in Lagos on Thursday, they answer drums in Havana, in Salvador, in Port of Spain. Fifty-five million people and counting. Lagos is not observing a local holiday. Lagos is standing at the centre of a global heritage,” Aregbe said.

The 2026 celebration marks the climax of a week-long programme of traditional activities across the state.

Ìṣẹ̀ṣe Day has been observed as a work-free day in Lagos since 2023, following a request by the Lagos State Council of Obas and Chiefs.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has continued the practice as part of his administration’s efforts to promote indigenous heritage and religious inclusiveness under the THEMES+ development agenda.

Aregbe commended the governor for his continued support for the celebration and also acknowledged traditional rulers and cultural custodians for their role in preserving Yoruba heritage.

He specifically recognised the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu I, other traditional rulers, White Cap Chiefs, Babaláwo, Ìyánífá, Olóòrìṣà and other custodians of Yoruba traditions.

“We thank His Excellency, Mr Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu. It takes real conviction for a leader to stand publicly with heritage, and he has done so without hesitation and without apology,” he said.

This year’s activities are expected to include traditional prayers, rituals, processions, drumming and other cultural performances dedicated to the Òrìṣà.

The programme will be coordinated by the Association of African Traditional Religion Nigeria and Overseas.

The state government urged participants to celebrate peacefully and respect people of different faiths throughout the activities.

Aregbe said the celebration should serve as a reminder of Lagos’ commitment to accommodating diverse cultural and religious identities.

“Three million voices rising in honour of tradition is not noise. It is history, faith and cultural pride in harmony. Whether you worship in a mosque, a church or a grove, Ìṣẹ̀ṣe Day belongs to you, because heritage has no denomination. Lagos remains the city where every heritage finds its place,” he said.