The present administration is determined to promote religious tolerance and ensure peaceful co-existence among various adherents in the state.
Ogun State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Oluwasesan Fagbayi, stated this during the 2024 ‘Isese’ Day celebration in Abeokuta, saying Prince Dapo Abiodun-led government was committed to fostering inclusiveness of all religions.
Hon. Fagbayi, represented by Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Dr. Quudus Yusuff, added that celebrating the rich cultural heritage and traditions, giving necessary support to traditional institutions, as well as enhancing the promotion of indigenous tradition would preserve Yoruba traditional religion.
He noted that the colourful display by different traditional religious sects at the celebration, was a prove that the Day was worthy of being recognised as an international event, to attract tourists across the globe, thereby enhancing the tourism potential of the state.
Also speaking, Chairman, Ogun State Alternative Medicine Board (OGAMB), who doubles as the Alawoerin of Egbaland, Chief Nurudeen Olaleye, enjoined all traditional worshippers across the country to use the occasion to pray for the peace, unity and stability of the state and the country in general.
Speaking on the theme of the event, “Vengeance”, at Oke-Abola mountain, Saje, Abeokuta, the guest lecturer, Ojubona Ifakayode Akanbi, admonished people to desist from taking vengeance as the consequences were usually destructive and could hinder progress, adding that love and unity among people would prevent people from hurting others.
He charged youths to avoid acts, capable of disrupting the peace and progress of the society, tasking them to add their quota to the development of the state and the nation.
Recall that August 20 was declared ‘Isese’ Day in some Western states to celebrate the Yoruba traditional religion and traditions since 2023 and which had been observed simultaneously in Western states of the country.
