The Lagos State Government has declared Thursday, August 20, 2026, a work-free day for residents to participate in activities, marking Lagos Isese Day 2026.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Idris Aregbe, announced the decision in a statement on Wednesday.
He said the government wants residents and visitors to take part fully in the celebration, which could attract more than three million traditional worshippers.
Aregbe said Isese Day represents more than a public holiday. He described it as a living expression of Yoruba spirituality and cultural heritage.
He said “Ìṣẹ̀ṣe is not a relic. It is a living expression of our traditions and a celebration of Yoruba spirituality as an important part of Nigeria’s cultural and religious landscape”
He added that Yoruba communities across the world continue to preserve their traditions and pass them to younger generations.
According to Aregbe, Yoruba descendants in Cuba, Brazil and parts of the Caribbean also continue to celebrate Isese traditions.
“When the drums sound in Lagos on Thursday, they answer drums in Havana, in Salvador, in Port of Spain,” he said.
The 2026 Isese Day celebration will conclude a week-long programme of traditional activities.
The programme will feature prayers, rituals, processions, drumming and cultural displays dedicated to the Òrìṣà.
The Association of African Traditional Religion Nigeria and Overseas will coordinate the activities.
Lagos has observed Isese Day as a work-free day since 2023 after the Lagos State Council of Obas and Chiefs requested the arrangement.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has continued the practice as part of his administration’s support for indigenous values and religious inclusion under the THEMES+ Agenda.
Aregbe praised Sanwo-Olu for supporting the annual celebration. He also recognised the roles of traditional rulers, chiefs, Babaláwo, Ìyánífá, Olóòrìṣà and other custodians of Yoruba traditions.
He urged participants to celebrate peacefully and respectfully while using the event to promote cultural pride and unity.
“Three million voices rising in honour of tradition is not noise. It is history, faith and cultural pride in harmony,” Aregbe said.
He added that the celebration welcomes people from different religious backgrounds and reflects Lagos’ cultural diversity.
