As many traditional worshippers across Nigeria prepares for the World Isese Day come Sunday August 20, 2023, Oyo State is joining growing awareness to make every August 20 a work free day in order for adherent to celebrate.
To this effect, Hon. Sanjo Adedoyin, the lawmaker representing Ogbomoso South Constituency in the 10th Assembly in Oyo State on Thursday Aigust 9th moved a motion on the floor of Oyo State House of Assembly urging the executive to set aside every 20th of August as ISESE DAY.
By so doing, the lawmaker said the decision will give room for the showcasing of “our much cherished values, custom, culture and tradition which are fast becoming moribund.”
He argued that having a day set aside as ISESE Day would equally give people who are traditionalists or subscribe to traditional religion a sense of belonging, joy and satisfaction.
“With this Yoruba culture and values will be promoted to outside world and this in turned will attract tourists and other fun seekers to our dear state.
“It is very disheartening that some of our offsprings don’t know anything about our culture, customs, tradition, language, religion, food, songs, and drums; yet all these are being promoted and taught in the institutions of higher learning in places like Brazil, Cuba, Peru where people of colour there are identifying with our values and cultures with pride and dignity.
“We must not wait until the white man starts teaching us our language, cultures, customs and values before we do something urgent to arrest the negative trend.”
The lawmaker said after extensive deliberations, the motion was unanimously passed.
“The motion was co-sponsored by my dear brother and the Chief Whip of 10th Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Gbenga Oyekola, representing Atiba Constituency as well as Hon. Adebayo Gabriel Babajide representing Ibadan North 2”.
The Ogun State Hoise of Assembly had earlier in July passed a similar bill recognising August 20 as a public holiday to celebrate traditional religion.
Many activities are lined up in several states of Nigeria, especially in the South West and Kwara State to celebrate the day that is meant to serve as the equivalent of Christmas and Sallah days for traditional religion worshippers.
