Lagos Declares Monday Off for Isese Day

Lagos State Government has announced a day off for public servants on August 21. This is in honor of the 2023 Isese Day celebrated on August 20.

The circular, which was signed by the Lagos State Head of Service, Mr. Hakeem Muri-Okunola, noted that the declaration of Monday as a work-free day for public servants by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu was “with a view to promoting our indigenous culture and tradition while preserving our heritage.”

“In restating its commitment to continue to provide the necessary support to traditional institutions in the state with a view to promoting our indigenous culture and tradition while preserving our heritage, Mr. Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has graciously declared Monday, 21st August 2023, a work-free day for public servants in the state. Work will, therefore, resume on Tuesday, 22nd August at 8 am prompt,” the circular partly read.

According to report, in July, the Lagos State Council of Obas and Chiefs requested the official recognition and declaration of August 20 as Isese Day holiday within the state by the Lagos State Government.

During the inauguration of the state Council of Obas and Chiefs for an additional five-year term, the traditional leaders emphasized the significance of the state government acknowledging August 20 as Isese Day. They stated that this recognition would align with democratic values and religious freedom.

Speaking on behalf of the council, the Elegushi of Ikate-Elegushi Kingdom, Oba Saheed Elegushi, said, “It is a demand that has been on the table of the governor for so long.”