he Ogun State Government has declared Wednesday, August 20, 2026, a public holiday in commemoration of this year’s Isese Day, a festival dedicated to celebrating Yoruba culture, religion, and traditions.

The observance, which became an official holiday in 2023 after approval by the Ogun State House of Assembly and Governor Dapo Abiodun, has since become an annual fixture in the state calendar.

In a statement issued on Monday, the government said the holiday underscores Governor Abiodun’s commitment to preserving the state’s cultural heritage and recognizing the Yoruba traditional faith as an integral part of Ogun’s identity.

Isese Day, according to the statement, provides a platform for adherents of the Yoruba religion to honour their ancestors, uphold traditional practices, and promote the moral values embedded in indigenous spirituality.

“The celebration not only strengthens communal ties among practitioners but also opens a window for the larger society to appreciate the Yoruba cultural heritage and its contribution to Nigeria’s diverse identity,” the government noted.

Across Ogun State, traditional worshippers are expected to hold prayers, festivals, and other cultural activities to mark the occasion, while residents are encouraged to use the day to reflect on the enduring values of tolerance, respect, and unity.