*Oguntoyinbo, Olofin Adimula Weigh In
By Stephen Gbadamosi, Ibadan
The Allied People’s Movement, (APM), Senatorial Candidate for Oyo Central Senatorial District, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo has admonished the people of Oyo State in general to eschew religious bitterness but embrace tolerance as he congratulated the traditional religion worshippers on the celebration of Isese Day.
It could be recalled that the Oyo State government declared Thursday, 20 August, 2026, a work-free day to enable residents to celebrate this year’s Isese Day.
The declaration was made by the state Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, in recognition of the cultural significance of Isese Day and its importance to the people of Oyo State.
In a statement he issued and personally signed, Oguntoyinbo congratulated the adherents of traditional religion and the people of Oyo State in general on the occasion of Isese Day.
He called on the people to ensure religious tolerance and the adherents to celebrate peacefully and with good consideration for the right of other religions adherents.
Oguntoyinbo, a renowned philanthropist, urged the people of Oyo State to always live in peace and ensure tranquility as they moved into the political campaign period for the 2027 general election.
Oguntoyinbo urged residents to use the celebration and its aftermath as an opportunity to seek divine intervention in the affairs of the nation.
According to the statement: “I congratulates our people on this year’s occasion of the Isese Day, a day set aside as a living expression of our traditions and a celebration of Yoruba spirituality as an important part of Nigeria’s cultural and religious landscape”.
Ajadi commended Governor Seyi Makinde for given the celebration a deserved recognition by declaring a public holiday for a genuine celebration of Yoruba tradition and culture.
He described the Yorubas, the predominant ethnic group in Oyo State, as one of Africa’s largest ethnic nationalities, saying celebrating their tradition and culture was well deserved.
On its part, a group, Olofin Adimula Culture and Traditions Foundation, commended former Osun State governor, Ogbeni (Engr.) Rauf Aregbesola, for pioneering the declaration of 20 August as work-free day to commemorate Isese Day.
The foundation also applauded the governors of Lagos, Ogun, and Oyo states for declaring the day work-free to mark the iconic cultural celebration.
In a press statement issued on Thursday and signed by its Convener, Comrade Akinpelu Adesina, the foundation urged the remaining South-West governors to recognise 20 August as a public holiday.
According to him, Aregbesola should be given the credit as the first governor to declare a public holiday to celebrate Yoruba traditional religions and culture, during his tenure as the Governor of Osun State.
Comrade Adesina, who is also the Atayese Olosun of Ibadanland, said Isese Day was set aside to celebrate Yoruba culture and traditional religion, and should be embraced by all Yoruba sons and daughters.
He added that recognising the day across all South-West states would promote cultural identity, unity, and respect for traditional heritage in Yorubaland.
He also admonished traditional religion worshippers to see the religion as a calling, and not a means of accumulating wealth.
Adesina revealed that he had concluded plans to revive Orisa Oko (New Yam Festival) in Ibadan and other major Yoruba towns, stressing the significance of the festival.
*PHOTO CAPTION: A section of adherents celebrating Isese Day in glowing cultural colours.
