Traditional religion adherents under the umbrella of Traditional Religion Worshippers’ Association in Oyo State (TRWASSO) has appealed to the state governor, Seyi Makinde, to immediately declare August 20th every year as a public holiday in order to commemorate the annual Isese festival.
They made the request at an event to mark the 2019 Isese festival which was held in Ibadan, the state capital.
The group had, in the last two years, appealed with the immediate past governor of the state, Mr. Abiola Ajimobi, to declare August 20th as Isese Day without yielding any positive result.
Also speaking on the matter, the Akoda Awo of Ibadan land, Chief Ifalere Odegbola, who led the traditional religion worshippers to the palace of the Olubadan, Oba Saliu Adetunji, said that Oyo State ought to have recognised the day just as Osun has done.
On his birth, Chief Olukande Ajewole, who corroborated Odegbola, said that the public must know that Isese Day is the climax of all traditional festivals as it is a day to pay special homage to God and ancestral leadership. He explained that it is the first foundation laid by Orunmila, before Islam and Christianity came into existence, adding that adherents of all other faiths will still trace their spiritual roots to Orunmila.
While responding, Oba Adetunji stated that he was happy to receive the traditionalists, stressing that he does not toy with the value and importance of Isese Day.
Speaking further, the monarch promised to deliver their message to the state governor and do all within his power to see how the wish could be granted.
Credit: The Nation
