As stakeholders in Ilorin, Kwara State, still bicker over the proposed Isese Day holding on Monday, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has approved the day as a public holiday because of the traditional religious festival.
Muslims in Ilorin insist traditionalists cannot hold such a festival there, while the latter have been trying to prove their right to their own religion.
The development has sparked heated argument especially online.
But, as Osun State has done, the Oyo State Government has declared Monday as a maiden public holiday to celebrate Isese Day.
The announcement was contained in a circular titled, “Declaration of holiday to mark traditional religious festivity in Oyo State” and signed by the Secretary to the Oyo State Government, Professor Olanike Adeyemo, on Friday.
It read, “The Oyo State Governor, Governor Seyi Makinde has graciously approved August 20, 2023 of every year as “Isese day” in Oyo State, to commemorate the celebration of Traditional Religious festivity.
“Towards this end, Monday, August 21, 2023, has been declared as the maiden Public Holiday to commemorate this year’s festivity in the state.
“His Excellency has therefore requested that the occasion be used to pray for the peace, unity and stability of the State in particular, and the Country in general.
“Kindly give His Excellency’s approval, as conveyed, the widest publicity it deserves,” the circular added.
Makinde further urged traditional worshippers in the state to use the occasion to pray for the peace, unity, and stability of the state in particular and the country in general.
