The Oba Ìsèse Of Ogun State and Chairman, “Ìsèse Kingdom Of Truth Association Of Nigeria,” Oba Ifarotimi Adifagbola Balogun has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and National Assembly to create a National Traditional Religion Commission similar to the Hajj and Christian Pilgrims Commission.
Speaking to journalists at his Idi-Ori Palace, in Abeokuta, Adifagbola Balogun also advocated for the inclusion of African traditional religion studies in the school curriculum to ensure that children learn about their cultural heritage.
He further requested that President Tinubu and the National Assembly should designate August 20 as a national holiday for traditional worshippers, so as to celebrate Ìsèse festival throughout the country.
He commended the South-West governors, particularly the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, for recognizing August 20 as a public holiday for Ìsèse Day, noting that kudos should also be given to the Lagos, Oyo, Osun, Ondo, and other governors for recognising Ìsèse Day.
He stressed the significance of African traditional religion as a foundational practice and highlighted the role of education in preserving and promoting cultural heritage.
“It is essential for the growth and unity of our nation and continent to acknowledge and educate future generations about their cultural roots,” Adifagbola Balogun stated.
He said that the Ìsèse day has come to stay in the South-West region of the country, imploring the federal government to emulate or take cue from the Yorùbá states to declare August 20, as a national holiday to celebrate Ìsèse collectively in the country.
