Ilaji Hotels and Sports Resort, Akanran, Ibadan, played host to over 20,000 traditional worshippers and adherents of Yoruba traditional religion as they gathered to celebrate this year’s Isese Day with special prayers for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Oyo State, Senator Sharafadeen Alli, Oyo State and Nigeria as a whole.
The colourful gathering, hosted by the Okanlomo Oodua and Gbonka Olubadan of Ibadanland, Chief (Engr.) Jubril Dotun Sanusi, brought together traditional worshippers, cultural stakeholders, market leaders, artisans, community leaders and other prominent personalities from across the state and beyond.
The event was characterised by prayers, cultural displays and traditional rites, with worshippers offering supplications for peace, unity, prosperity and sustainable development in Oyo State and Nigeria.
Speaking at the event, the Araba Awo of Oyo State, Oloye Ifalere Odegbemi, called on the Federal Government to officially recognise August 20 as National Isese Day and ensure that it is observed annually across the country as a work-free day.
Oloye Odegbemi made the appeal through the representative of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senator Sharafadeen Alli, stressing that the recognition would further promote the preservation of Yoruba traditional religion, cultural heritage and indigenous values.
He noted that traditional worshippers and custodians of indigenous beliefs remain an important part of the nation’s cultural identity and deserve recognition and inclusion in national celebrations.
The traditionalists also offered special prayers for President Tinubu, seeking divine wisdom, strength and guidance for him as he continues to lead the country, while prayers were equally offered for Senator Alli and the peace, progress and development of Oyo State.
The host, Chief Jubril Dotun Sanusi, was commended for providing a befitting platform and environment for the historic celebration, which attracted a massive turnout of traditional worshippers and cultural enthusiasts.
Among the notable personalities in attendance were the Oniladuntan of Laduntan, HRM Oba Kamarudeen Adebowale; President of the Association of Mogajis of Ibadanland, Mogaji Asimiyu Ariori; Baale Kuebi Ige, alongside other Ibadan traditional leaders; Babaloja General, Alhaji YK Abass; Iyaloja Saratu Aduke; and the President of the Yoruba Youth Council, Mogaji Alawode Rahmon Akintunde.
Others included market traders, artisans, community leaders, members of various JDS support groups and thousands of traditional worshippers who converged on the resort to mark the annual cultural celebration.
The celebration further reinforced the importance of preserving Yoruba culture, traditions and indigenous religious practices while promoting unity among people of different backgrounds and beliefs.
The gathering ended with renewed calls for government at all levels to continue supporting cultural institutions and recognise the contributions of traditional worshippers to the preservation of Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage.
