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On Sunday, Ogun communities were filled with a sea of worshippers as traditionalists celebrated Isese Day with grandeur and fervor.

For years, traditionalists in Osun, Ogun, Lagos, Oyo, Ondo, and Ekiti states have been advocating for recognition and the declaration of August 20 as a work-free day to honor their festivities.

They argue that while official holidays are designated for Muslims and Christians, August 20 has been largely ignored by the authorities, leading to feelings of inequality.

This year, their pleas were finally heard, as the governments of Ogun, Oyo, Osun, and Lagos states declared Monday, August 21, a public holiday to mark Isese Day.

On Sunday, idol worshippers, native doctors, Ifa priests, practitioners of alternative medicine, and other followers of non-orthodox religions gathered in large numbers to celebrate.

With enthusiasm and jubilation, they paraded through the streets, moving from one location to another, singing and dancing in unison.

In Abeokuta, traditionalists, dressed impeccably in white attire, embarked on a pilgrimage to their sacred site known as Oke Abola, nestled in Oke-Aregba.

After offering prayers and performing sacred rites at Oke Abola, the worshippers convened at Ake Palace Square to partake in festivities.

The Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, graced the palace square to join in the celebration of this traditional event.

Across various communities, traditionalists organized gatherings where they indulged in feasting, merriment, and dances to honor their deities.

Meanwhile, the Olota of Ota, Oba Abdukabir Obalanlege, has called on President Bola Tinubu to officially recognize August 20 as a national celebration. He believes that this move would foster peaceful coexistence among Nigerians and showcase the country’s rich cultural and traditional values.

Obalanlege stressed that Nigeria’s Constitution grants everyone the right to freely practice their chosen religion, especially in a democratic society where peace is paramount.

Similarly, Bisi Oyedele, the representative of Ipokia/Idiroko state constituency, also joined traditionalists in Idiroko to celebrate Isese Day.

Oyedele expressed, “The celebration is not about atheism, but rather about embracing our collective and authentic identities.”