Lagos announces public holiday for Traditional worshipers
By Ajayi Eleko
The Government of Lagos State has announced Tuesday as a public holiday for traditional religion worshipers.
The decision followed a circular made available to Irohinoodua and signed by the Head of Service, Bode Agoro.
Sources told our correspondent that the decision was informed by the need to uphold the oldest, timeless faith in Lagos which the first settlers upheld for over eight centuries before the coming of Christianity and Islam.
The statement said “it is hereby notified for general information that this year’s Isese Day celebration will hold on Tuesday, August 20, 2024”
The Government said that in emphasising commitment to give necessary support for traditional institutions as well as embrace the promotion of indigenous tradition by preserving cultural heritage,Mr Governor Babajide Sanwo Olu has approved that Tuesday August 20 be declared a Work free day for public servants in the state.”
Consequently, it said work resumes on Wednesday, August 21, 2024
It urged all accounting officers are enjoined to note the contents of this circular and “give it the desired service wide publicity.”
Lagos is home to millions of indigenous peoples who hold their spiritual allegiance to Yoruba traditional worship which has been pushed to the backbench by modern religion.
The traditional worshipers for long have advocated for recognition.
The first recognition for them was adopted by former Osun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, himself a devout Muslim.
