On Saturday, members of the Traditional Religion Worshippers Association in Oyo State praised the governor of the state, Seyi Makinde, for what they called his preference for religious harmony and support for religious freedom.
Gistlover had previously reported that Makinde, through the Secretary to the State Government, Olanike Adeyemo, had on Friday declared that every August 20 will be set aside for the celebration of the Isese Festival, and that Monday, August 21, will also be a holiday for state employees.
These events will usher in the first Isese Day festival that has the government’s approval, and association members have been cheerfully preparing for them.
Fakayode Fatunde, the association’s secretary, Ifalere Odegbola, the Araba of Ibadan, and Omikunmi Egbelade, the executive director of the Aare Isese Foundation, all made statements in support of the governor’s strong desire to establish a sense of equality among the various religions and their adherents in the state.
Therefore, the group urged followers of traditional religion to use the Isese Day celebration as a chance to get closer to their Creator and to pray for the prosperity of humanity, Nigeria, the state, and their various households.
It said, “Although it came late, we are today happy that this governor that has always kept to his promises since he got to office, eventually did us this honour of setting aside a special day to celebrate Isese Day in our dear state. We are grateful.
“We have not forgotten that past administrations did not give us this honour despite our appeals. Today, Governor Makinde has broken another record by placing his name on history that he took this giant leap by stamping the administration’s authority on equality of all religions for the sake of better people and humanity as a whole.
“We use this opportunity to appreciate Edumare, the Creator of heaven and earth for making us witness this day and those who have done one or two things to make this possible.”
