Lagos State Government has declared Thursday, August 20, 2026, a public holiday. Residents will enjoy a work-free day to mark this year’s Ìṣẹ̀ṣe Day.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Idris Aregbe, made the announcement in a statement released on Wednesday. He described Ìṣẹ̀ṣe as a living expression of Yoruba culture and spirituality, not something locked in the past. Millions of people in Nigeria and across the world continue to keep these traditions alive. Communities in places like Cuba, Brazil and other parts of the Caribbean still maintain strong ties to the same practices.
The day comes after a week of traditional activities and has been observed as a public holiday in Lagos since 2023. The move followed a request from the Lagos State Council of Obas and Chiefs. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has kept the practice going each year as part of efforts to support indigenous culture and give room for different religious and cultural groups to observe their traditions.
This year’s events will feature traditional prayers, rituals, processions, drumming and other activities linked to the Òrìṣà. The Association of African Traditional Religion Nigeria and Overseas is coordinating the celebrations. State officials have urged participants to remain peaceful and show respect for people of other faiths and cultural backgrounds