The International Council for Ifa Religion has urged Tinubu to declare August 20 and 21 as national public holidays in recognition of Isese, the traditional religion of the Yoruba people.
The council’s president, Fayemi Fakayode, made the call in a statement issued in Ibadan on Wednesday while commemorating the 2025 Isese Day celebration.
According to him, granting public holiday status to Isese adherents would put them on equal footing with Christians and Muslims who already enjoy nationally recognised holidays.
He said, “We call for national recognition from President Tinubu through the declaration of August 20 and 21 as public holidays for Isese across Nigeria.”
While commending Oyo, Lagos, Ogun and Osun state governments for declaring work-free days this year, Fakayode appealed to governors of Ekiti, Ondo, Kwara, Kogi, Edo and Delta states to follow suit.
The traditionalist leader also asked the Federal Government to fund cultural festivals, protect shrines and sacred lands, and integrate practitioners into cultural councils.
He stressed that the present inequality among the three major religions in Nigeria should end, noting that Isese represents the foundation of Yoruba and African identity.
Fakayode said, “Celebrating Isese safeguards our heritage, promotes pride in our culture and strengthens enduring values, such as honesty, respect and hard work.”
He further called for investments in cultural sites across the country to boost tourism, revenue generation and community development.
