The Lagos State Government has declared Thursday, August 20, 2026, a work-free day to allow residents and visitors to take part in activities marking this year’s Ìṣẹ̀ṣe Day celebration.
The announcement was made on Wednesday by Idris Aregbe, Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Tourism, Arts and Culture.
Aregbe said the decision was aimed at allowing people across the state to participate in the celebrations, which are expected to draw more than three million traditional worshippers.
He described Ìṣẹ̀ṣe Day as an important celebration of Yoruba spirituality and cultural heritage rather than simply a public holiday.
“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.
Aregbe noted that the Yoruba population is estimated at more than 55 million worldwide, adding that generations have continued to preserve and pass on the culture.
He said the continued preservation of Yoruba traditions had also helped sustain Ìṣẹ̀ṣe celebrations in countries including Cuba, Brazil and parts of the Caribbean, where people of Yoruba descent live.
“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 annual celebration is the climax of a week-long series of traditional activities. Lagos has observed Ìṣẹ̀ṣe Day as a work-free day since 2023 after the Lagos State Council of Obas and Chiefs requested the initiative.
Sanwo-Olu has continued the practice as part of his administration’s efforts to promote indigenous values and religious inclusiveness under the THEMES+ Agenda.
Aregbe praised the governor for his continued support for the celebration and also recognised traditional rulers and other custodians responsible for preserving Yoruba heritage.
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“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.
He also acknowledged the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu I, traditional chiefs, Babaláwo, Ìyánífá, Olóòrìṣà and other custodians of Yoruba traditions.
“Governments come and go. Custodians carry the culture,” Aregbe said.
This year’s celebration will feature traditional prayers, rituals, processions, drumming and cultural performances dedicated to the Òrìṣà.
The activities will be coordinated by the Association of African Traditional Religion Nigeria and Overseas.
Aregbe called on participants to observe the celebration peacefully and respectfully, saying the event was designed to strengthen cultural identity and unity.
“Three million voices rising in honour of tradition is not noise. It is history, faith and cultural pride in harmony,” he said.
He added: “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.”