Lagos State Declares 20 August 2025 A Public Holiday For Isese Day Celebration.
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has announced that Wednesday, 20 August 2025, will be a work-free day for all public servants in the state to mark the annual Isese Day celebration. The declaration, aimed at honouring Yoruba culture and traditions, reflects the state government’s ongoing commitment to preserving indigenous heritage and supporting traditional institutions.
The announcement was made through a circular issued on Monday, 18 August 2025, by the state’s Head of Service, Mr Bode Agoro. Addressed to senior government officials, including the Deputy Governor, the Speaker of the House of Assembly, the Chief Judge, Commissioners, and heads of local government councils and agencies, the circular outlined the significance of the holiday. It stated that the work-free day is intended to enable public servants and residents to participate fully in the cultural festivities that celebrate Yoruba spirituality, customs, and ancestral heritage.
Isese Day, a significant cultural observance in Yorubaland, is dedicated to promoting and preserving the rich traditions of the Yoruba people. In recent years, Lagos State has institutionalised this day as a public holiday, recognising its importance in fostering cultural unity and inclusivity. The celebration provides an opportunity for adherents of traditional Yoruba religion and other residents to engage in rituals, festivals, and community events that honour Yoruba deities and ancestors.
Governor Sanwo-Olu emphasised that the declaration aligns with his administration’s dedication to safeguarding Lagos’ cultural identity in a rapidly modernising society. “This holiday underscores our commitment to promoting our indigenous culture, preserving our heritage, and supporting traditional institutions across the state,” the circular quoted him as saying. The move has been widely welcomed by traditional leaders and cultural enthusiasts, who see it as a vital step in maintaining the state’s rich cultural tapestry.
Public servants are expected to resume work on Thursday, 21 August 2025, at 8:00 a.m. The Head of Service urged all accounting officers to ensure the information is widely circulated across ministries, departments, and agencies to ensure compliance. Lagos joins other southwestern states, such as Ogun and Oyo, in observing Isese Day as a public holiday, reinforcing its position as a hub of Yoruba culture and heritage.
The Lagos State Government has encouraged residents to participate actively in the festivities and share their experiences, further promoting cultural pride and unity. This gesture continues to position Lagos as a beacon of tradition and progress, balancing modernity with the preservation of its indigenous values.
