The International Council for Ifa Religion (ICIR) has asked President Bola Tinubu to officially recognise Isese followers by making August 20 and 21 national public holidays.

Fayemi Fakayode, the council’s president, made this request in a statement on Wednesday, August 20, in Ibadan, Oyo State, just before the 2025 Isese Day celebration.

Fakayode said, “We are asking President Tinubu to declare August 20 and 21 as official public holidays for Isese practitioners across Nigeria.”

He added that some state governments, including Oyo, Lagos, Ogun, and Osun, had already made Wednesday a work-free day to celebrate this year’s Isese Day.

Fakayode encouraged governors in Ekiti, Ondo, Kwara, Kogi, Edo, and Delta states to also recognise August 20 as a holiday for Isese followers.

He also called on the government to help preserve cultural traditions.

Fakayode explained, “We want government support to fund cultural festivals, protect sacred sites, and involve practitioners in cultural councils, similar to what is done for Muslims and Christians.”

He stressed that the federal government should address religious inequality by officially recognising Isese followers alongside other major religions.

Fakayode described Isese as a key part of Yoruba and African culture, highlighting its role in promoting morality, unity, and communal values.

“Isese forms the foundation of Yoruba and African identity. It teaches respect for nature, honesty, community living, and hard work. Celebrating Isese preserves our culture and strengthens our values,” he said.

Finally, the ICIR president praised South-West governors for supporting the festival and urged the federal government to invest in cultural sites to encourage tourism and local development.