…Hod Tourism Celebrates Isese Day, Lauds Chairman’s Cultural Commitment

The Lagos State Government has declared a one-day public holiday to commemorate Isese Day, honoring traditional worshippers who pay allegiance to various deities, including Ifa, Ogun, Osun, and Oya. In celebration, the Coker/Aguda Local Government Council, led by Speaker Hon. Sulaimon Afeez Olawale and Hon. Oguntoyinbo Ismail Olanrawaju, warmly welcomed traditional worshippers to the council secretariat.

The Head of Ogboni, Kabiyesi Oba Abalaye, led the gathering, offering prayers and libations for the Chairman, council members, and the people of Coker /Aguda, seeking long life, protection, and peaceful coexistence among citizens”.

Miss Madume Thelma Abidemi, HOD of Tourism, expressed her excitement and gratitude to the Executive Chairman of the council, Hon. Azeez Ogidan, during her speech at the Isese Day celebration. She praised Hon. Ogidan as a champion of culture and tradition, stating, “The Executive Chairman has proven himself to be a true ambassador of culture, and his dedication to preserving our heritage is evident in the organization of this Isese Day ceremony for the people of Coker Aguda. He embodies the spirit of culture in every sense”

“This is a man who has shown great respect for our traditions by accommodating and honoring all the traditional custodians. As the saying goes, ‘Without history, there is no culture.’ Our Chairman has truly proven himself to be a grassroots cultural leader. I will also like to extend my gratitude to the Lagos State Governor, Governor Olusola Sanwo-Olu, for declaring a special day for Isese Day – it’s a rare gesture that we truly appreciate.

“The Chairman has excelled in promoting tourism, art, and culture in Nigeria. We’d like to thank the Governor for declaring this holiday, which allows us to celebrate and acknowledge our rich cultural heritage – the very root of our identity,” enthused Abidemi.

When asked about the Chief Priest’s sermon, which emphasized that traditional culture doesn’t conflict with other religious beliefs, Miss Abidemi, a tourism enthusiast, shared her thoughts.

“As a Christian by faith and an Osun Princess by birth, I believe that practicing my traditional heritage doesn’t contradict my Christian values. In our society, we have Christians, Muslims, and traditional worshippers, and one religion shouldn’t undermine the other. I agree with the Chief Priest that, fundamentally, we’re all seeking the same thing – to do what’s right and appeal to a higher power.’

The HOD cautioned, “The issue lies in our different modes of worship. While our objectives may be the same, our approaches vary.” She further explained that other religions, such as Christianity and Islam, may not fully understand or appreciate traditional worship, sometimes perceiving it as fetish.

However, she emphasized that traditional worship isn’t about idolatry, but about personal beliefs and what sets one free. “It’s not about whether our tradition is perceived as fetish or not; it’s about what you believe in that truly matters. Your faith is what sets you free.

She added, “We shouldn’t condemn traditional worshippers simply because their beliefs differ from ours. Our heritage is rooted in tradition, and it’s the traditional worshippers who have preserved and upheld our cultural and religious heritage. Rather than criticizing them, we should embrace and appreciate their role in preserving our traditions.

We have no option but to respect and value their contributions to our cultural identity, and we shouldn’t condemn traditional religion in any way. They are also worshipping God, just in a different way, similar to how other religions worship their deity.”

“My message to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu is that he should continue to lead us in the right direction, embracing and promoting our cultural heritage, just as he has been doing. I pray that he will live long and be blessed by our ancestors. As his followers, we should continue to build on the good legacies he has established.”