State Declares Thursday Work-Free

The Lagos State Government has declared Thursday, August 20, 2026, a work-free day to allow residents and visitors to take part in activities marking this year’s Isese Day celebration.

The announcement was made on Wednesday by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Idris Aregbe.

According to the state government, the decision is intended to give traditional worshippers and other residents enough opportunity to participate in the celebration, which is expected to attract more than three million people.

Isese Day is observed as a celebration of Yoruba traditional religion, culture and heritage. The Lagos government said the event also provides an opportunity to promote indigenous traditions and pass them on to younger generations.

Aregbe said Yoruba culture has continued to survive beyond Nigeria, with communities of Yoruba descent maintaining traditional practices in countries including Cuba, Brazil and other parts of the Caribbean.

He said Lagos had become an important gathering point for people interested in Yoruba heritage, with this year’s celebration expected to draw participants from within and outside the state.

The work-free day marks the culmination of a week-long programme of activities dedicated to traditional worship and cultural expression.

Isese Day has been observed as a work-free day in Lagos since 2023, following a request from the Lagos State Council of Obas and Chiefs.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has continued the practice each year as part of his administration’s approach to supporting indigenous culture and allowing people of different faiths and traditions to participate freely in cultural activities.

The state government said this year’s programme would include traditional prayers, rituals, processions, drumming and other cultural displays associated with the Yoruba traditional religion.

The activities will be coordinated by the Association of African Traditional Religion Nigeria and Overseas, with traditional rulers, religious practitioners and cultural custodians expected to participate.

Aregbe commended Sanwo-Olu for maintaining the annual work-free day and supporting the celebration.

He also recognised the role of traditional rulers and other custodians of Yoruba heritage, including the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, traditional chiefs, Babaláwo, Ìyánífá and Olóòrìṣà, in preserving indigenous practices.

The commissioner urged participants and visitors to observe the celebration peacefully and respect the rights of others throughout the activities.

He said the celebration was intended to promote cultural pride, unity and greater appreciation of Yoruba heritage.

The state government also stressed that the work-free day was designed to accommodate participation in the cultural event and does not prevent residents from observing their own religious practices.

With millions of traditional worshippers expected to participate, the 2026 Isese Day activities are expected to form one of the largest annual gatherings celebrating Yoruba traditional heritage in Lagos.