The Lagos State Government has declared Thursday, August 20, 2026, a work-free day for residents to mark this year’s Ìṣẹ̀ṣe Day.

The announcement was made on Wednesday by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Idris Aregbe, in a statement.

Aregbe described Ìṣẹ̀ṣe as a living expression of Yoruba culture and spirituality, stressing that it should not be viewed as a tradition confined to the past.

He said Yoruba traditions continue to be practised and preserved by millions of people in Nigeria and across the world.

According to him, Yoruba communities and cultural groups in countries including Cuba, Brazil and other parts of the Caribbean have also maintained connections with the traditions.

Ìṣẹ̀ṣe Day is observed after a week-long programme of traditional activities and has been recognised as a work-free day in Lagos since 2023.

The declaration followed a request by the Lagos State Council of Obas and Chiefs.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has continued the annual observance as part of his administration’s efforts to promote indigenous culture and support the freedom of different religious and cultural groups to practise their traditions.

This year’s celebration is expected to feature traditional prayers, rituals, processions, drumming and other cultural activities associated with the Òrìṣà.

The activities are being coordinated by the Association of African Traditional Religion Nigeria and Overseas.

The state government urged residents participating in the celebration to conduct themselves peacefully and respect people of other religious and cultural backgrounds.

It also encouraged participants to use the occasion to promote cultural understanding, peaceful coexistence and respect for Nigeria’s diverse traditions.