Tinubu Told to Declare August 20, 21 Public Holidays
- The International Council for Ifa Religion has sent a crucial message to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
- The traditionalists have called on President Tinubu to declare August 20 and 21 as public holidays
- The council’s President, Fayemi Fakayode, explained the reason for making such a demand of President Tinubu
Legit.ng journalist Adekunle Dada has over 8 years of experience covering metro, government policy, and international issues
Ibadan, Oyo state - President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been told to give equal recognition to Isese adherents in Nigeria by declaring August 20 and 21 as public holidays.
The President of the International Council for Ifa Religion, Fayemi Fakayode, asked President Tinubu to end the “present state of inequality” among the three major religions in the country.
Source: Facebook
Fakayode urged Tinubu to grant due recognition to Isese practitioners through a national holiday.
As reported by The Punch, Fakayode made this known in a statement issued in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Wednesday, August 20, to commemorate the 2025 Isese Day celebration.
“We call for national recognition from President Tinubu through the declaration of August 20th and 21st as public holidays for Isese across Nigeria.
“We also want the government to fund cultural festivals, protect shrines and sacred lands, and integrate practitioners into cultural councils like it is being done for Muslims and Christians.”
Fakayode commended the South-West governors by declaring a public holiday in celebration of Isese Day.
He urged governors of Ekiti, Ondo, Kwara, Kogi, Edo, and Delta states to emulate their South-West counterparts by recognising every August 20 as Isese holiday.
What is Isese Day?
Isese Day is a regional public holiday celebrated by the Yoruba people on August 20th of every year to honor their deities, ancestors, and traditions, with celebrations including prayers, dances, and sacrifices.
The day is also meant to foster a sense of community and promote the rich cultural heritage of the Yoruba people.
Source: Twitter
Isese day: Ogun govt declares public holiday
Recall that the Ogun state government declared Wednesday, August 20, 2025, a public holiday across all the local government areas of the state.
Governor Dapo Abiodun declared Wednesday, August 20, 2025, a work-free day to celebrate the Isese Day.
Isese Day is a day the Yoruba people of southwest Nigeria pay homage to their deities, ancestors, and the enduring legacy of their indigenous religion.
Read more stories on Isese Day:
- Oyo Governor Announces Work-free Day for Isese 2025
- Oyo, Ogun, 2 Other States to Declare Public Holiday in August, Full List, Reason Emerges
Isese day: Lagos declares fresh public holiday
Legit.ng earlier reported that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu declared Wednesday, August 20, as a work-free day in Lagos State in celebration of the 2025 Isese Day.
The Lagos government explained that the holiday was part of the governor's commitment to upholding the cultural values and heritage of the indigenous people.
According to a circular, the governor urged account officers in every government office to ensure the widespread circulation that work will resume at 8 a.m. on Thursday, August 21, 2025.
Source: Legit.ng
