The Heads of Traditional Religion in Oyo state, have once again called on the Governor of Oyo State, Engineer Seyi Makinde to declare August 20 of each year a Traditional Public Holiday.
The Heads of the Traditional Religion in the State, in a letter signed by Araba Ifalere Odegbemi (Odegbola 2), Chief Oke Adejare Adisa, Baale Omikunmi Egbelade and Surveyor Dasola Adefabi Fadiran urged the Governor to set aside August 20 of each year as public holiday for all traditional religion worshippers in the State.
“All Orisa Traditional Religionists across Oyo State extend our greetings and appreciation to our Governor. Your Excellency, we kindly request the Executive Arm of Government to set aside a day as public holiday for the adherents of Traditional Religion in Oyo State under the name ‘ISESE DAY‘ with a proposed date for August 20th of each year. This is in line with the recognition accorded to the three existing religions by the Oyo State Government- Christianity, Islam and Traditional Religionists.”
The Heads of Traditional Religion in the State said that: “It is pertinent to note that the recognition given to Christianity and Islam is officially pronounced with the declaration of a particular day or date for the observance of a festival day for the adherents of these two religions which in turns is observed by all as a public holiday.”
“In view of this, the Executive approval of Traditional Public Holiday will increase the political participation of our members as we speak with one voice.”
“Your Excellency, we humbly request your approval to officially pronounce and declare a specific date /day (20th August) to be observed as ‘ISESE DAY’, just like Easter, Christmas, Idel Fitri and ldel Kabir. Our entire members appreciate Your Excellency for the recognition accorded to us as citizens of Oyo State, Nigeria.”