As traditionalists in Oyo state gather to celebrate this year’s Isese Day, the Araba of Ibadanland and Olu Isese of Ibadanland, Chief Ifalere Odegbemi Odegbola II has called for religious tolerance among the worshippers of the three religions in the country.
Odegbola while speaking to journalists at the Mapo Hall venue of the celebration, called for understanding and tolerance among the three religions in the country.
“Isese Day celebration is about celebrating our roots as human beings. It is about offering prayers for peace and development of our dear state and the country at large. We are also using the day to offer prayers for all traditionalists and also to preach for religious tolerance among the three major religions in the country.”
While reacting to Governor Seyi Makinde’s approval of August 20 of each year as public holiday for traditional religion worshippers in the state; Araba expressed appreciation to the governor and Oyo lawmakers.
“We are currently rejoicing the approval of August 20 of each year as ‘Isese Day’ by our amiable Governor, Seyi Makinde following the passage of the bill by our honourable lawmakers in the State House of Assembly. Tomorrow has been declared public holiday by our Governor. This is something that gladden our hearts. This is an indication that both the Governor and the lawmakers in State are for people irrespective of religious backgrounds. They have shown to us they are all men of integrity.
Speaking further, he said that the approval of the public holiday for traditionalists in Oyo state has shown that the Governor is a man of integrity who keeps his promises.
“The approval of August 20 as Isese Day’ (public holiday) will afford our members in the State the avenue to further contribute their quotas toward the development of Oyo state.”
“Traditional Religion worshippers will forever be grateful to the Governor and the members of Oyo State House of Assembly. We will no doubt use the occasion to pray for peace and development of Oyo state and the country in general.”
“I will also be using this medium to assure our governor and the lawmakers of our support at all time. We also appreciate the efforts of the Oyo state Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Wasiu Olatunbosun and also SA to the Governor on Inter-Faith, Hon. Ibikunle.”