The International Council for Ifa Religion has urged Tinubu to declare August 20–21 as national Isese Day public holidays to promote cultural equality

The International Council for Ifa Religion (ICIR) has called on President Bola Tinubu to officially recognise Isese adherents by declaring August 20 and 21 as national public holidays.

Also read: Isese Day: Ogun govt commits to fostering inclusiveness of all religions

ICIR President, Fayemi Fakayode, made the appeal in a statement on Wednesday in Ibadan, Oyo State, ahead of the **2025 Isese Day** celebrations.

“We call for national recognition from President Tinubu through the declaration of August 20 and 21 as public holidays for Isese across Nigeria,” Fakayode said.

He noted that some South-West states, including Oyo, Lagos, Ogun, and Osun, had already declared Wednesday a holiday in honour of this year’s Isese Day.

He urged governors in Ekiti, Ondo, Kwara, Kogi, Edo, and Delta states to follow suit and adopt August 20 as a state holiday.

Beyond the issue of holidays, Fakayode appealed to the federal government to fund traditional festivals, protect shrines and sacred lands, and integrate practitioners into cultural councils alongside Christians and Muslims.

“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 pride in our culture, and strengthens enduring values such as honesty, respect, and hard work,” he stated.

Also read: Lagos State, Others celebrate Isese Day

The ICIR president commended South-West governors for supporting Isese Day and urged the federal government to invest in cultural and heritage sites nationwide to boost tourism, generate revenue, and drive community development.