Lagos Set for Grand 2025 Ìṣẹ̀ṣe Day Celebration, Over Three Million Expected

The Lagos State Government has announced that more than three million people are expected to participate in this year’s Ìṣẹ̀ṣe Day, a vibrant festival that honors Yoruba culture, heritage, and spirituality.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu declared Wednesday, August 20, 2025, a public holiday for all public servants in recognition of the annual celebration.

According to a circular signed by the Head of Service, Mr. Bode Agoro, government offices will remain closed on the day, with work resuming on Thursday, August 21.

Ìṣẹ̀ṣe Day, which literally means “the Day of Tradition,” is celebrated across the Southwest to honor Òrìṣà worship, ancestral traditions, and Yoruba spirituality.

It is marked with prayers, rituals at sacred sites, processions, and various cultural performances. Lagos officials say the 2025 edition will be one of the largest ever, with events planned across different communities in the state.

The government described the holiday as part of its effort to promote religious inclusion, preserve cultural identity, and recognize the role of traditional institutions in uniting people.

Lagos now joins states like Ogun and Oyo, which also declared public holidays for the festival, further strengthening the festival’s recognition as a major cultural calendar event in the Southwest.

Beyond its spiritual significance, the day is seen as an opportunity to reconnect with Yoruba roots, foster unity, and showcase Lagos as a hub of cultural diversity. With millions expected to participate, authorities are calling for peaceful, orderly celebrations that reflect the true spirit of Ìṣẹ̀ṣe — respect for tradition and communal harmony.