By Eniola Akinwande and Iteoluwakisi Anifowose
The Chairman of Ikeja Local Government, Akeem Dauda, has urged residents to embrace Yoruba cultural heritage as the council joined other parts of Lagos in marking this year’s Isese Day celebration.
The celebration, declared a public holiday by the Lagos State Government, seeks to honour the Yoruba people’s traditional roots while correcting misconceptions about indigenous practices.
Speaking at the event, Dauda stressed the importance of cultural revival in the face of growing Western influence. He lamented that many young people are gradually losing touch with their identity, particularly through the declining use of the Yoruba language.
“This holiday is to remind our people that we must find our roots, celebrate our culture, and take pride in our heritage. We cannot allow our values and traditions to fade away,” Dauda said.
The council boss also addressed negative stereotypes surrounding traditional worship, clarifying that Isese Day is not about rituals or sacrifices but a broader celebration of Yoruba heritage, spirituality, and community life.
He thanked Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for institutionalising the holiday, noting that Ikeja Local Government supported communities with cows and other items to enable widespread participation in the celebration.
Dauda added that the day should not be seen as exclusive to traditional religion adherents but as a cultural festival for all residents, irrespective of faith.
“All baales within Ikeja are marking Isese Day because we must promote our culture. It is our heritage, and we must not let it go down the drain,” he said.
