Ìṣẹ̀ṣe Day

Ìṣẹ̀ṣe Day (or Isese Day) is an annual cultural and religious celebration observed by practitioners of the Yoruba traditional religion, primarily in southwestern Nigeria.[1] The day is dedicated to honoring Yoruba deities and Orishas, as well as preserving the heritage and customs of the Yoruba people.[2][3]

History

The term Ìṣẹ̀ṣe translates to "tradition" in Yoruba. Ìṣẹ̀ṣe day was formally established to recognize and advocate for the preservation of Yoruba traditions in the modern era.[4] The celebration was first declared a public holiday in Osun State in August 2014, under the administration of Governor Rauf Aregbesola.[5][6] Since then, other southwestern states such as Lagos, Ogun, and Oyo[7] have officially recognized August 20 as Isese Day, often declaring it a work-free day for public servants.[8][9]

The day is officially recognized as a public holiday in several southwestern Nigerian states, with government offices closed to allow adherents to observe the celebration.[10][11]

References

  1. ^ Agbaje, Matthew (2024-08-19). "ICYMI: Five things to know about Isese festival - Isese festival". Punch Newspapers. Retrieved 2025-05-14.
  2. ^ Reporters, Our (2024-08-20). "Isese Day: Adherents advocate traditional oaths for public officials - Isese". Punch Newspapers. Retrieved 2025-05-14.
  3. ^ Odutuyo, Adeyinka (2023-08-21). "Everything You Need to Know About Isese Festival 2024". Zikoko!. Retrieved 2025-05-14.
  4. ^ Oamen, Samuel (2024-08-19). "Seven things to know about Isese Day". The Nation Newspaper. Retrieved 2025-05-14.
  5. ^ Television, Channels (2013-08-20). "Osun Govt Declares Today As Public Holiday For Isese Festival". Channels Television. Retrieved 2025-05-14.
  6. ^ "Osun declares public holiday for traditional religion worshippers". www.premiumtimesng.com. August 20, 2013. Retrieved 2025-05-14.
  7. ^ Babalola, Toheeb (August 15, 2024). "Oyo govt declares Tuesday work-free for Isese Day". www.premiumtimesng.com. Retrieved 2025-05-14.
  8. ^ AriseNews (2024-08-19). "Isese Day: Lagos Declares Tuesday Public Holiday for Traditional Religious Festival". Arise News. Retrieved 2025-05-14.
  9. ^ Abdulsemiu, Monsuroh (2024-08-19). "Lagos, Osun, Oyo, Ogun declare Tuesday public holiday to celebrate Isese Day". TheCable. Retrieved 2025-05-14.
  10. ^ "Isese day: Things to know about traditional festival wey make Lagos state government declare public holiday". BBC News Pidgin. 2023-08-19. Retrieved 2025-05-14.
  11. ^ Nwafor (2024-08-18). "Isese Day: Adeleke declares Tuesday public holiday". Vanguard News. Retrieved 2025-05-14.
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