Members of the Traditional Religion Worshipers Association (TWA), Oyo State Chapter have commended the Ogun State House of Assembly for passing the bill, approving the Isese Day holiday for traditional religion worshipers in the State.
The legislators gave their nod for the holiday on Tuesday, years after their predecessors in the chamber declined requests by the traditional religion adherents for the August 20th festival, during which worshipers of various traditional deities come together and celebrate the annual festival.
In a statement jointly signed by the State Secretary of the association, Mogaji Dr. Fakayode Fayemi Fatunde and the Public Relations Officer, Chief Taiwo Fagbohun, respectively, copies of which were made available to journalists on Friday, the body used the medium to call on governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State to follow the steps of South-West State governors that have given approvals for the Isese Festival holiday and gave assent to the bill that has already been passed by the State House of Assembly for the holiday.
The statement reads: “It is noteworthy, commendable and historical, the action of the Ogun State House of Assembly for passing the bill for the Isese Day holiday for our teeming members in Ogun State, it goes to show that members of the house are not discriminatory and embrace all religion worshippers as members of the society.
“The Nigerian constitution allows all citizens to practice their choices of religion, in as much as it does not affect the freedom of others, it is unfortunate that such freedom of choice is not allowed to grow in Nigeria, but we appreciate Olodumare that the Ogun State House of Assembly followed the footsteps of the Osun State by declaring the August 20th Isese Day holiday.
“We are using this opportunity to appeal to our amiable governor in Oyo State, during whose regime different positive beginnings are being witnessed to also follow this step and declare the holiday, as done by the Osun and Ogun States’ governments.
“Our demand is anchored upon our right as a body of believers like our Christian and Muslim brothers and the the freedom entrenched in the Nigerian constitution for us all to associate with our desired religion, we are well aware of Governor Makinde’s capacity to make the bold decision.”
The Ogun State House of Assembly members premised their resolution for the holiday on the need to propagate the rich culture and tradition of the State by preserving same for the oncoming generations.
Members of the Assembly called for the observation of every 20th of August as Isese-Cultural Day, which should be declared a work-free day.
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