Lagos declares Thursday work-free for 2026 Isese day

Lagos State has declared Thursday, August 20, 2026, a work-free day to allow residents to fully participate in the 2026 Isese Day celebration. This annual observance honors Yoruba spirituality and cultural heritage, drawing an estimated three million traditional worshippers.

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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.

Idris Aregbe, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Tourism, Arts and Culture, announced the decision, emphasizing that Isese Day is more than just a public holiday. He described it as a living expression of Yoruba traditions and a vital part of Nigeria's cultural and religious landscape. The significance of Yoruba traditions extends globally, with descendants in countries like Cuba, Brazil, and the Caribbean preserving and celebrating their culture.

Aregbe highlighted the global reach of Yoruba culture, stating, "When the drums sound in Lagos on Thursday, they answer drums in Havana, in Salvador, in Port of Spain." He noted that Lagos stands at the center of this global heritage, underscoring the importance of the celebration beyond local boundaries. The Yoruba people, estimated at over 55 million worldwide, actively maintain their cultural practices and pass them on to younger generations.

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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.

Isese Day marks the culmination of a week-long program of traditional activities. It has been observed as a work-free day in Lagos since 2023, following a request from the Lagos State Council of Obas and Chiefs. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu continues this practice annually, aligning with his administration's commitment to indigenous values and religious inclusiveness under the THEMES+ Agenda.

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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.

Aregbe commended the governor for his public support of heritage preservation, acknowledging the contributions of traditional rulers, Babaláwo (Ifa priests), Ìyánífá (female Ifa priests), Olóòrìṣà (deities' devotees), and other custodians of Yoruba traditions. The 2026 celebration will feature prayers, rituals, processions, drumming, and cultural displays coordinated by the Association of African Traditional Religion Nigeria and Overseas. Participants are urged to celebrate peacefully and respectfully.

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Governments come and go. Custodians carry the culture.