By Ayodele Ifasakin
… Reiterates Commitment to Promote Indigenous Tradition, Heritage
In a bid to promote and preserve the rich cultural heritage of the state, Lagos State joined other South-West states in celebrating Isese Day, observed on August 20th, in line with the United Nations' World Traditional Religion Day.
Isese Day is a significant celebration of the Yoruba religion, which encompasses the traditional spiritual beliefs and practices of the Yoruba people, predominantly found in southwestern Nigeria, including Lagos, Oyo, Osun, Ondo, Ekiti, Kwara, and parts of Kogi State.
To commemorate this occasion, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Mr. Idris Aregbe led a delegation from the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, along with the Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture, to visit Obas and traditional leaders across the state.
During the visit, Mr. Aregbe congratulated the Obas and urged them to use the occasion to pray for peace, unity, and stability in the state and the country at large. He emphasised the importance of preserving cultural heritage and promoting indigenous traditions, highlighting the government's commitment to supporting traditional institutions.
Aregbe said that the state government also enjoined the traditional worshippers to celebrate in moderation and respect the rights of others, ensuring that the culture of religious tolerance in the state is upheld.
As part of the festivities, the Special Adviser joined celebrations at the Palace of His Royal Majesty, Oba Rilwan Akiolu of Lagos.
The revered Monarch shared words of wisdom with adherents who gathered at the palace to celebrate with him, urging everyone to embrace truth and patience and to pray for divine guidance for our leaders. He emphasised the importance of respect, understanding, and spiritual growth, advocating for prayers and support for leaders to foster a more harmonious and progressive society.
Mr. Aregbe’s visit to the palace was a significant moment in the Isese Day celebrations, highlighting the collaboration and mutual respect between traditional institutions and the government.
The Special Adviser also visited the palace of the Oniru of Iru Land, Oba Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal, who commended Governor Sanwo-Olu for approving Isese Day as a public holiday, allowing workers to celebrate Yoruba culture and heritage. Oba Lawal pledged that traditional rulers would continue educating the youth about Lagos' culture and heritage and presented a publication on the history of Iru Land, along with a Quarterly Gazette, to the Special Adviser.
Oba Lawal also noted that the Iru Kingdom had begun consultations and appeasement of the gods, particularly Olokun Aje at the beachside, for peace, progress, and unity in the community, Lagos State, and Nigeria earlier in the day.
The celebration is a testament to the Lagos State Government's dedication to promoting, propagating, and preserving the state's rich cultural heritage. It featured various cultural parades by different traditional groups, prayers, music, and dance.
By joining other South-West states in observing Isese Day, the Lagos State Government aims to foster a sense of unity and shared identity among the Yoruba people and other traditional communities, enhancing the preservation of cultural heritage.
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