“Ìṣẹ̀ṣe” refers to the Yoruba religion, which encompasses the traditional spiritual beliefs and practices of the Yoruba people, who primarily reside in what is now Southwestern Nigeria.
To mark this year’s festival, the governments of Lagos, Osun, Oyo and Ogun have declared Tuesday, 20 August, a public holiday to commemorate the Isese Day celebration.
The announcements were contained in separate circulars on Monday by the commissioners of information for each state.
The declaration by Lagos State made in a circular titled “Commemoration of Year 2024 Isese Day – Declaration of Work-Free Day,” issued on Monday by the state’s Head of Service, Bode Agoro.
As a result of this decision, all public offices, including the courts, will reopen on Wednesday by 8am, giving traditional religious adherents the opportunity to observe their special day.
The circular read, “It is hereby notified for general information that this Year’s Isese Day Celebration will hold on Tuesday, 20th August 2024.
The announcement came shortly after the Ogun state government also declared Tuesday a work-free day to mark the festival in a post on X.
“Ogun State Government has declared Tuesday, 20 August, a public holiday to celebrate this year’s Isese Day, in line with the Dapo Abiodun-led administration’s firm belief in religious inclusivity,” the post reads.
According to a statement by Kayode Akinmade, special adviser to the governor on media and strategy, the work-free day will allow traditional worshippers across the state celebrate the festival.
The statement added that Ogun state “remains an exemplary federating unit with an enviable level of religious cohesion and harmony, even in the face of diversity”. 
The government urged traditional worshippers in the state to celebrate in moderation and respect the rights of other religions during the festival.
It also charged worshippers to use the special festive period to pray for peace and economic advancement in Ogun state and Nigeria.
Both Oyo and Osun also approved Tuesday as public holiday for the celebration.
Ìṣẹ̀ṣe 2024: Lagos, Osun, Ogun & Oyo Declare Public Holiday
