State government declares public holiday
The Lagos State Government has declared Thursday, August 20, 2026, a work-free day as residents prepare to mark this year’s Ìṣẹ̀ṣe Day and celebrate Yoruba traditional heritage.
The declaration will affect public servants, political appointees and other government workers across the state, allowing residents and visitors to take part in the activities planned for the annual celebration.
The state government said more than three million people are expected to participate in the various events, making the celebration one of the largest gatherings of traditional worshippers.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Idris Aregbe, announced the decision in a statement issued on Wednesday.
He described Ìṣẹ̀ṣe as a living part of Yoruba culture and spirituality rather than a practice that belongs only to the past.
He said Yoruba traditions continue to be preserved by millions of people in Nigeria and other parts of the world.
Yoruba communities and cultural groups in countries such as Cuba, Brazil and other parts of the Caribbean have also continued to maintain links with the traditions.
Ìṣẹ̀ṣe Day is held after a week of traditional activities and has been observed as a work-free day in Lagos since 2023. The decision followed a request from the Lagos State Council of Obas and Chiefs.
