Ogbomoso: Photos from 2023 Isese Day celebration as Oyo Majority Leader says ‘It’s fun’

Yinka ADETUNJI

The first annual Isese celebration in Oyo state was with fanfare Sunday as adherents of African Traditional Religion made the most of the opportunity as various events were staged to commemorate the festival.

Recall Isese Day was declared official last week in Oyo state by the state governor Engr Seyi Makinde with August 20 of every year set aside as public holiday to commemorate the event.

Oyo State House of Assembly Majority Leader, Hon Sanjo Adedoyin, who attended a combined service of adherents in Ogbomoso South local government, the constituency he is representing, described it as fun-filled and fulfilling.

ogbomosoinsightonline.com brings snapshots of the festival from Ogbomoso North and Ogbomoso South local governments with joint services held at Ijo Elesin Ifa Adimula Parapo, Masifa and Ijo Elesin Ifa Adimula Irunmole Parapo, Isale-Laka respectively on Sunday, August 20.

The events featured several traditional displays including Ijala Ode, Esa Egungun, Sango Pipe, Iyere Ifa, Orin Olosun and acrobatic displays and dances by worshipers of Egungun, Sango, Osun among others.

Speaking on his feeling Hon Adedoyin, who moved the motion for the official recognition of Isese Day in the state which was passed by his colleagues and assented to by the state governor, expressed satisfaction.

Adedoyin fondly called Sanjay by admirers in his Facebook wall remarked the official recognition of the day would give traditionalists a sense of belonging.

He added, “At today’s event, we were treated to and entertained with various lyrics: Ijala Ode, Esa Egungun, Sango Pipe, Iyere Ifa, Orin Olosun and acrobatic displays and dances by Egungun, Sango, Osun worshipers and many more…

“It was fun all through. I believe present generation have a lot to learn in our forefathers’ culture and inheritance. It goes beyond the issue of mere religious sentiment.”

Dr. Oladejo Akanni of the popular Akanni Bookshop, Takie, Ogbomoso speaking at the celebration at Masifa expressed appreciation to Engr Makinde for the recognition accorded African Traditional Religion adherents.