Ifa council to Tinubu: Make August 20, 21 national holidays for Isese

The International Council for Ifa Religion (ICIR) has called on President Bola Tinubu to grant equal recognition to Isese adherents in Nigeria, similar to their Muslim and Christian counterparts, by declaring August 20th and 21st as annual public holidays.

The Council also urged the governors of Ekiti, Ondo, Kwara, Kogi, Edo, and Delta States to emulate their counterparts in Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, and Osun States by declaring August 20th a public holiday in honour of Isese Day.

In a communiqué signed by the President of ICIR, Dr. Fayemi Fatunde Fakayode, and made available to journalists on Wednesday in commemoration of the 2025 Isese Day celebration, the Council stressed that the Presidency should address the current imbalance among the three major religions in Nigeria by granting official recognition to Isese practitioners through the declaration of public holidays.

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While congratulating Isese adherents worldwide and appreciating the South-West governors who have already declared August 20th a holiday, the body further demanded that the Federal Government fund cultural festivals, protect shrines and sacred lands, and integrate practitioners into national cultural councils.

The communiqué also highlighted the need for the Federal Government to invest in cultural sites nationwide to boost revenue generation and promote community development.

“We call for national recognition from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu through the declaration of August 20th and 21st as public holidays for Isese across Nigeria. We also want the government to fund cultural festivals, protect shrines and sacred lands, and integrate practitioners into cultural councils, just as is done for Muslims and Christians.

While commending the South-West states for declaring Isese Day a holiday, we urge Ekiti, Ondo, Kwara, Kogi, Edo, and Delta to emulate this example, thereby ensuring cultural harmony and strengthening regional unity.

Isese represents the foundation of Yoruba and African identity; it embodies morality, unity, reverence for nature, and communal living. Celebrating Isese safeguards our heritage, promotes cultural pride, and strengthens enduring values such as honesty, respect, and hard work.”

ICIR also appealed to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, and the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, to sheath their swords in the ongoing seniority contest between them, urging harmony to fast-track development in the Yoruba kingdom.

“As we mark this year’s Ìṣẹ̀ṣe Festival, we extend our warmest felicitations to our revered traditional rulers. May they be blessed with robust health and longevity. We express our deepest gratitude to those monarchs who have remained steadfast custodians of our cultural traditions and respectfully advise those who have embraced foreign cultures to reconnect with their heritage.

To propel our land towards development, progress, and unity, we enjoin our traditional rulers to foster a spirit of collaboration and mutual understanding. Our special appeal goes to Their Imperial Majesties, Alayeluwa Ọba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, the Oonirisa, and Alayeluwa Oba Abimbola Owoade, the Alaafin of Oyo, to continue their noble endeavours in harmony for the betterment of our people,” the communiqué concluded.

NIGERIAN TRIBUNE