Osun state declares Friday public holiday

The Osun state government has declared Friday a public holiday to allow residents to celebrate the annual “Isese Day”.

In a statement on Wednesday, the Commissioner for Home Affairs, Tajudeen Olaniyi Lawal noted that the festival would not be celebrated with the usual fun fare.

As Yoruba traditionalists all over the world celebrate World Isese Day on Thursday, there were calls for the government of Oyo State to set aside August 20 of every year as a holiday to mark the festival which usually brings all traditionalists together

Lawal said the festival would be low-key due to the increasing rate of the third wave of Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in the country.

While congratulating the traditional religious worshippers in the state, the commissioner appealed to residents to be peaceful and law-abiding in their conduct before, during and after the festival.

He equally enjoined them to pray for the growth and development of the state as well as Governor Adegboyega Oyetola.

“On the part of the “Isese Day” participants, I urge you to observe the coronavirus safety protocols, especially the use of nose mask, social/physical distancing, among other rules of engagement before, during and after the festival,” he said.