Four southwest states are expected to declare a public holiday for all public servants and residents to commemorate the Isese festival on Thursday, August 20, 2026, with the day marking the annual celebration of Yoruba traditional religion and culture.
Isese Day is observed by traditional worshippers who honour their deities through prayers, dances and sacrifices.
The states expected to declare the one-day holiday are Oyo, Lagos, Ogun and Osun, while Ondo and Ekiti are yet to officially recognise August 20 as Isese Day in their respective states.
1. Oyo
Oyo State traditionalists renewed their call for a public holiday to commemorate Isese Day in 2022.
While the state government did not officially declare a public holiday that year, Governor Seyi Makinde later approved August 20 as Isese Day and declared a public holiday for it in 2023, a tradition that has continued since.
2. Lagos
Like Oyo, Lagos began declaring a public holiday for Isese Day in 2023, following a letter written to the state house of assembly by the Lagos council of Obas and chiefs requesting official recognition of the day.
3. Ogun
In July 2023, the Ogun State House of Assembly passed a resolution declaring August 20 as Isese Cultural Day in the state, approving a motion titled “H.R. No.008/OG/2023: Observation of Isese Day as Work-Free Day in Ogun State.”
Lawmakers noted that the resolution was aimed at propagating the rich culture and traditions of Ogun State while also boosting tourism and preserving the state’s heritage for future generations.
4. Osun
Osun State has the longest history of recognising Isese Day among the four states. In 2013, under then-Governor Rauf Aregbesola, the state officially recognised August 20 as a public holiday for traditional worshippers.
In observance of the holiday, all banks, government offices and other establishments are typically closed for the day.
