The International Council for Ifa Religion (ICIR) has called on President Bola Tinubu to formally recognise Isese adherents by declaring August 20 and 21 as national public holidays.

Fayemi Fakayode, President of the council, who made the appeal in a statement issued on Wednesday in Ibadan, Oyo State, ahead of the 2025 Isese Day celebration, said, “We call for national recognition from President Tinubu through the declaration of August 20th and 21st as public holidays for Isese across Nigeria,” Fakayode said.

The statement noted that Oyo, Lagos, Ogun, and Osun state governments had already declared Wednesday a work-free day to mark this year’s Isese Day.

Fakayode urged governors in Ekiti, Ondo, Kwara, Kogi, Edo, and Delta states to follow suit by recognising August 20 as an Isese holiday.

Fakayode also requested government support for cultural preservation: “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.”

He further called on the Federal Government to address inequality among the country’s three major religions by granting formal recognition to Isese practitioners.

Fakayode described Isese as a central element of Yoruba and African identity, noting its role in promoting morality, unity, and communal living.

“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,” he added.

The ICIR president commended South-West governors for supporting the festival and encouraged the federal government to invest in cultural sites nationwide to boost both revenue and community development. (The Guardian)