Lagos goes traditional as 3m residents celebrate Ìṣẹ̀ṣe Day

Lagos State is set to immerse itself in Yoruba heritage and spirituality as it prepares to celebrate Ìṣẹ̀ṣe Day on Thursday, an event anticipated to draw over three million participants. The Lagos State Government has officially declared August 20 a work-free day for public servants, political appointees, and others, enabling widespread engagement with the festivities.

Idris Aregbe, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Tourism, Arts and Culture, described Ìṣẹ̀ṣe Day as far more than a holiday. He emphasized its importance as a celebration of Yoruba identity, spirituality, and cultural heritage, asserting that it remains a vibrant, living tradition and a crucial component of Nigeria's cultural and religious landscape.

“

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.

Aregbe highlighted the global reach of Yoruba culture, with an estimated 55 million people worldwide. He noted that the commitment to Yoruba traditions sustains Ìṣẹ̀ṣe festivals not only within Nigeria but also in communities across Cuba, Brazil, and the Caribbean. "When the drums sound in Lagos on Thursday, they answer drums in Havana, in Salvador, in Port of Spain," Aregbe stated, underscoring the interconnectedness of the global Yoruba diaspora.

This year's celebration marks the climax of a week-long program of traditional activities. Ìṣẹ̀ṣe Day has been recognized 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 tradition, aligning with his administration's commitment to indigenous values and cultural preservation under the THEMES+ Agenda. The event is coordinated by the Association of African Traditional Religion Nigeria and Overseas (AATREN) and will feature prayers, rituals, processions, and cultural displays dedicated to the Òrìṣà.

“

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.