The Traditional Religion Worshippers Association in Oyo State, on Friday, renewed its call on the state Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde to follow the steps of other governors in South-West that have given approvals for the Isese Festival holiday in their respective states.
A statement by its state Secretary, Fakayode Fatunde, and the Public Relations Officer, Taiwo Fagbohun, respectively, however, commended the Ogun State House of Assembly for passing the bill and approving the Isese Day holiday for traditional religious worshippers in the state.
The Ogun Assembly members anchored their resolutions for the holiday on the need to propagate the rich culture and tradition of the state by preserving the same for the oncoming generations, and called for the observation on every 20th August, as Isese-Cultural Day, which should be declared a work-free day.
The association said: “It is noteworthy, commendable, and historical, the action of the Ogun Assembly for passing the bill for the Isese Day holiday for our teeming members in the state. It goes to show that members of the Assembly are not discriminatory and embrace all religious worshippers as members of the society.
“The Nigerian constitution allows all citizens to practice their choices of religion, in as much as it does not affect the freedom of others, it is unfortunate that such freedom of choice is not allowed to grow in Nigeria, but we appreciate Olodumare that the Ogun Assembly followed the footsteps of the Osun State by declaring 20th August as Isese Day holiday.
“We are using this opportunity to appeal to our amiable Governor in this state, Makinde, during whose regime different positive beginnings are being witnessed to also follow this step and declare the holiday, as done by the Osun and Ogun States’ governments.
“Our demand is anchored upon our right as a body of believers like our Christian and Muslim brothers and the freedom entrenched in the Nigerian constitution for us all to associate with our desired religion, we are well aware of Makinde’s capacity to make the bold decision”, the association added.
