…Calls for Peace Between Ooni and Alaafin, Wants More States to Adopt Holiday
From Taiwo Oluwadare, Ibadan
The International Council for Ifa Religion (ICIR) has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to grant official recognition to Isese adherents by declaring August 20 and 21 as national public holidays in Nigeria.
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The council made the call in a communique signed by its President, Dr. Fayemi Fatunde Fakayode, and made available to journalists in commemoration of the 2025 Isese Day celebrations.
According to ICIR, granting such recognition would ensure fairness among Nigeria’s three major religious groups Christianity, Islam, and traditional African religions while also safeguarding cultural values that form the foundation of Yoruba and African identity.
“We call for national recognition from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu through the declaration of August 20 and 21 as public holidays for Isese across Nigeria. We also want the government to fund cultural festivals, protect shrines and sacred lands, and integrate practitioners into cultural councils like it is being done for Muslims and Christians,” the statement read.
The council further urged the governors of Ekiti, Ondo, Kwara, Kogi, Edo, and Delta States to emulate Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, and Osun States, which have already declared August 20 a public holiday in honour of Isese Day.
ICIR also pressed for greater government investment in cultural sites nationwide, saying such efforts would not only preserve heritage but also boost tourism, revenue, and community development.
“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,” the communique added.
In the same communique, the body extended felicitations to traditional rulers across Yorubaland and appealed for peace between the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, and the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, over their lingering rivalry.
ICIR urged the monarchs to sheath their swords, stressing that unity among Yoruba royal institutions would accelerate development and strengthen cultural preservation.
“Our special appeal goes to Imperial Majesties Alayeluwa Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, the Oonirisa, and Alayeluwa Oba Abimbola Owoade, the Alaafin of Oyo, to continue their noble endeavours in harmony for the betterment of our people,” ICIR stated.
The post ICIR urges Tinubu to declare August 20, 21 national holidays for Isese appeared first on The Sun Nigeria.
