Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has officially declared Wednesday, August 20, 2025, a public holiday to mark this year’s Isese Day celebration.
The announcement was made in a statement released on Monday by the Secretary to the State Government, Olanike Adeyemo, in Ibadan, the state capital. The governor granted the work-free day to allow practitioners of traditional religion and residents across the state to observe the occasion.
Governor Makinde encouraged all citizens to use the day for reflection and prayers, specifically calling for peace, unity, and stability both in Oyo State and across Nigeria.
“His Excellency requests that the occasion be used to pray for the peace, unity, and stability of the state in particular and the country in general,” the statement said.
The government also emphasized the need for broad dissemination of the governor’s approval to ensure that civil servants and residents are adequately informed.
Isese Day is an annual cultural celebration honoring the heritage, values, and traditions of the Yoruba people. It has gained recognition as a public holiday in several states across Nigeria’s Southwest region.
