Osun monarchs rejoice over declaration Isese public holiday

Traditional devotees gave the commendation while celebrating this year Universal Day of African Traditional Religion called ‘Isese Day’, in Osogbo, Osun state capital have said that Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola created a conducive environment for them to operate.

Among those who spoke were the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun; Olufon of Ifon Orolu Kingdom, and Oba Almaroof Magbagbeola, among others.

The 2016 ISESE Day which was a celebration of the various ancestral deities in yorubaland as well as among the black race, attracted the traditional worshipers across the globe, as they converged on Osogbo to commemorate its grand-finale.

The royal fathers who described Osun as the ancestral home of African tradition and culture, said the state has over the years demonstrated the real identity of African virtues, cultures, norms and customs in all its engagements and social relationship with other races in the world.

The monarchs who extolled the state government since assumption of Governor Aregbesola, said the continued recognition of the three major religions by the present administration had distinguished the state among its counterparts.

The duo maintained that the state being the cradle of Yoruba race with its indisputable ancestral home in Ile-Ife, had championed total renaissance of African culture through the resuscitation of the dearth values peculiar to Africans and Yorubas in particular.

They attributed the annual celebration of Isese Day as an extreme mark of honour to deities and gods whose according to them laboured and sacrificed themselves for the continuous existence of human beings.

The royal fathers, however maintained that the traditional religion as exemplified by “Isese” remained the foundation of the Yoruba and African race which must be given a deserved homage at all times.

Earlier, the Governor of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, reassured the traditional adherents of government’s commitment towards the promotion of African tradition and culture in the state.

Governor Aregbesola who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information, Homes Affairs, Tourism and Culture, Mrs. Webster Esho, reiterated that the state would not for whatever reason deters from prioritizing the course of any religion.

The Governor who commended the adherents of the three major religions for always allowing peace, love and unity even in the face of religious differences, said his government would continue to implement policies that would bring about equity and balance among the religious faithful.

“As today symbolizes the celebration of our traditions and cultures as yoruba people and black race, it also remains a unique day in the history of our state as Osun is universally recognized as ancestral home of yoruba race.

“It is our joy that since inception of the current government, the state has successful maintained equity and balance among the religious faithful.

“On tourism and culture, the state has showcased to the world its vast cultural potentials for maximum development over the years as the state hosts the universally recognized grove (Osun grove) being celebrated yearly in Osogbo, the state capital”, he added.

However, the leading lights in traditional religious faith which include the Araba-Awo of Osogboland, Chief Ifayemi Elebuibon, a renowned Oracle priest, Chief Fagbenusola Atanda, among other deities devotees within and outside Nigeria who besieged the venue of the event led veneration and prayers to ‘Olodumare’ (God) for sustaining their lives to witness this year festive.

They all threw their weights behind the observance of traditional religious practices which according to them remained the bedrock for societal propagation, growth and developments.

It would be recalled that the state government had earlier declared today Monday as public holiday to commemorate this year ‘Isese Day’.

Highlights of the event includes the presentation of prizes to individuals who excelled in their various areas of specialization such as “Ijala Ode”; “Iyere Ifa”, “Ohun Sango” and “Esa Egungun” competitions. ‎