The Lagos State government has joined the Association of African Traditional Religion of Nigeria and Overseas (AATREN) to mark this year’s Isese Day, even as it promises that the request by the group to officially recognize the 20th of August every year as Isese Day, is receiving government’s attention.

The programme to mark this year’s Isese Day took place yesterday with a conference in Ilasan playing ground in Ajah area of Lagos State, and the theme for this year’s event is “African Traditional Religion Catalyst To National Peace And Stability’.

AATREN is the umbrella body of all traditional groups and associations in Nigeria and overseas. It was formerly known as African Descendants Association (ARSADA) registered under the company’s ordinance chapter 38 of on 20th of March, 1957. It is deeply rooted in the belief and worship of Olodumare through the assistance of divinities.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State was represented by Femi Martins, Senior Assistant to the Governor on Tourism Arts and Culture, stated that the theme for this year’s seminar “African Traditional Religion Catalyst To National Peace And Stability” is very timely as the association continues to strengthen the bond of unity among the various ethnic groups and adherents of every religious beliefs in the societies.

He said, “It is established that our traditional religion preaches peace, love and tolerance. Our indigenous religion in particular is well positioned to aid the promotion of national peace and development because it focuses on lifelong principles based on communal concern for the well being of all. When this is pursued it regulates behaviour, conducts and actions of individuals in the society.

“Our traditional religion is a significant part of our culture and therefore will continue to receive the recognition it deserves. As a government we will continue to create the atmosphere for our citizen to practice their faith.

He added, “This administration appreciates and acknowledges the various ways AATREN has contributed to the peaceful co-existence in our state and that is why the call for the official recognition of of 20th of August every year as the Isese Day is receiving the attention of government, especially the State House of Assembly.”

Speaking about the important role that traditional worshipers have played in the society, High Chief Ifasegun Elegushi, the Opemoluwa of Ikateland and the president of AATREN, stated that Olodumare is supreme, and urged people to understand that most times their problems come from their roots.

He said,” People should not ignore their roots, which is why you see Pastors and prophets will tell people to go to their villages and do certain cleansing because that is where their problems are coming from and once they do that, they will see changes in their lives. It is the reason that we enjoining people not to fight their roots.

“Traditional religion worshipers are peace loving people. We invited Christians and Muslims today in this programme. Tradition worshipers are concerned about the development of the state and the country. We are aware that all of us came from different deities and we shouldn’t allow our fore bearers to place curses on us because of our actions.

Oba Elegushi appealed to the youths to learn morals, stop joining cult groups because there are consequences for any negative action, even as he appealed to the Lagos State government to hasten the signing into law, their request of 20th August every year as Isese Day.

“We the traditional worshipers have been praying for those in government. We have been praying for Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, and by the grace of God he will get to that place that he is seeking victoriously.

“We plead with him and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, we have been praying for him. We want them to grant our request of giving us a holiday on the 20th of August every year as Isese Day,” he said.

He said,” People should not ignore their roots, which is why you see Pastors and prophets will tell people to go to their villages and do certain cleansing because that is where their problems are coming from and once they do that, they will see changes in their lives. It is the reason that we enjoining people not to fight their roots.

“Traditional religion worshippers are peace loving people. We invited Christians and Muslims today in this programme. Tradition worshipers are concerned about the development of the state and the country. We are aware that all of us came from different deities and we shouldn’t allow our fore bearers to place curses on us because of our actions.

Oba Elegushi appealed to the youths to learn morals, stop joining cult groups because there are consequences for any negative action, even as he appealed to the Lagos State government to hasten the signing into law, their request of 20th August every year as Isese Day.

“We the traditional worshipers have been praying for those in government. We have been praying for Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, and by the grace of God he will get to that place that he is seeking victoriously.

“We plead with him and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, we have been praying for him. We want them to grant our request of giving us a holiday on the 20th of August every year as Isese Day,” he said.

High Chief (Mrs) Folusho Adeogun-Oga, the Iyalode of Shasha kingdom and the vice president of AATREN appealed to other religious groups to tolerate the traditional worshippers, embrace peace just like the traditional worshipers so that they can work together for the betterment and development of the society.

Dignitaries at the event include High Chief Awodiran Okanlawon, the Araba of Oworonshoki land and the Secretary General of AATREN, Barr. Adepetu Omotayo, Legal Practitioner and Adviser to AATREN, HRM Oba Babatunde Akani and a host others. (Daily Independent)

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