The Aare Onakakanfo of Yoruba land, Iba Gani Adams, has hailed the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, and the state House of Assembly for declaring August 20 as the annual “Isese-cultural day” and a work- free day, noting that the state has distinguished itself as a state that respects Yoruba culture and traditions.
Gani Adams disclosed this on Thursday in a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Mr. Kehinde Aderemi, adding, the development aimed at propagating the rich culture and traditions of Yoruba race would bring about the needed progress and development in the state.
The Ogun State House of Assembly on Tuesday passed a resolution approving August 20 of every year as Isese-cultural day, for celebration of Yoruba culture and traditions.
The Yoruba Generalissimo said, “Ogun State has distinguished itself as a state that respects Yoruba culture and traditions. By this resolution, Ogun State has identified with Yoruba cultural values and heritage.
“Nigeria is a secular state and we have two prominent religions that spread across socio-political divide, however, this is beyond religion.
“It is about our culture and traditions. It is about our identity as a people, and it goes on to underscore the essence of religious tolerance amongst the three prominent religions in the country,” Adams stated
Iba Adams, however, urged other states in the South-West to follow the foot steps of their counterpart in what he tagged as “this landslide resolution by the Ogun state House of Assembly,” noting that it is not a bad idea if such precedent is allowed in celebrating the culture and tradition of other adherents as, according to him, the Federal Government usually declares public holidays during festive period.
“We are appealing to other states in the south west to take a cue from this landslide resolution by the Ogun state House of Assembly”.
“The Federal Government usually declares public holidays during festive period.It is not a bad idea if such precedent is allowed in celebrating the culture and tradition of other adherents,” he said.
“For instance, in South Africa, every September 24 is usually celebrated as heritage day where all culture advocates celebrate their heritage in grand style.
“As a race, if we didn’t respect where we are coming from, we will not know where we are heading to, and it will be very difficult for us to make any meaningful progress.
“I am sure the Yoruba ancestors are happy with the state government. Isese in Yoruba parlance means tradition in all ramification and it is all about our culture and traditions.
“It would go a long way in boosting tourism and the uniqueness of the Yoruba culture, as well as the tradition of the people of Ogun state,” Iba Gani Adams added.
