The Lagos State Government has announced Monday, August 21, as a public holiday day for all public servants in the state in commemoration of the 2023 Isese Day celebration, which will be held on Sunday, August 20.
This is announced in a circular dated August 18, signed by the Lagos State Head of Service, Mr. Hakeem Muri-Okunola.
Muri-Okunola stated 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, August 21, 2023, a work-free day for public servants in the state. Work will, therefore, resume on Tuesday, August 22nd, at 8 a.m. prompt,” the circular partly read.
The Lagos State Council of Obas and Chiefs urged the Lagos State Government in July to officially recognise and designate August 20 as the state’s Isese Day holiday.
The traditional rulers, speaking at the inauguration of the state Council of Obas and Chiefs for another five-year term, said it was critical for the state government to declare August 20 as Isese Day in the spirit of democracy and religious freedom.
The Elegushi of Ikate-Elegushi Kingdom, Oba Saheed Elegushi, spoke on behalf of the council, saying, “It is a demand that has been on the governor’s table for so long.”
