The Lagos State Government has declared Thursday, August 20, 2026, a work-free day to allow residents to participate in this year’s Ìṣẹ̀ṣe Day celebration and activities promoting Yoruba traditional heritage.
Newsonspot reports that the declaration applies to public servants, political appointees and other government workers across the state, giving them the opportunity to join residents and visitors expected to participate in events marking the annual celebration.
The state government said more than three million people are expected to take part in the various activities, making the celebration one of the largest gatherings of traditional worshippers.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Idris Aregbe, announced the decision in a statement issued on Wednesday.
Aregbe described Ìṣẹ̀ṣe as a living aspect of Yoruba culture and spirituality, stressing that it should not be viewed as a tradition belonging only to the past.
According to him, Yoruba traditions continue to be preserved and practised by millions of people in Nigeria and across the world.
He also noted that Yoruba communities and cultural groups in countries including Cuba, Brazil and other parts of the Caribbean have maintained strong connections with the traditions.
Ìṣẹ̀ṣe Day is celebrated after a week of traditional activities and has been observed as a work-free day in Lagos since 2023, following a request by the Lagos State Council of Obas and Chiefs.
The annual celebration is aimed at promoting, preserving and showcasing Yoruba cultural heritage and traditional practices.
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