Members of the Lagos State House of Assembly have canvassed more support for ISESE Day, calling on Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to direct key government departments to support it.
It would be recalled that August 20 has been approved by the government for the celebration of ISESE Day in Lagos.
Raising a motion during plenary session, Hon. Solomon Bonu (Badagry 1), stated that the festival is a celebration of the culture and tradition of the Yoruba people, saying it is a manifestation of their identity and a crucial tool for protecting indigenous culture from foreign influences.
Bonu cited Article 38 of the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantees the right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion, as a legal basis for his proposal.
Supporting the motion, Hon. Olayinka Kazeem ( Mushin 2) questioned why Nigerians are abandoning their religion and embracing others, praising Lagos and other Southwest states for allowing the celebration and urged that the traditional religion not be allowed to go into extinct.
In his contributions, Hon. Stephen Ogundipe (Oshodi/Isolo 1) noted a growing interest in the celebrations, particularly among younger generations, suggesting a week-long celebration to honour the culture fully.
Meanwhile, the Speaker of the House, Rt. (Hon) Mudashiru Obasa, who presided over the plenary, congratulated traditional religion practitioners, leaders, and cultural custodians on the successful celebration of the 2025 edition of ISESE Day and assured them of the House continuous support for the preservation of the Yoruba heritage.
The House, however, resolved that the Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs mandate local governments to organise the festival, while the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture provides financial and logistical support.
It also resolved that the Ministry of Information and Strategy launch educational programs to promote the traditional religion.
