The Executive Chairman of Ikeja Local Government, Comrade Akeem Olalekan Dauda (AKOD), has joined traditional worshippers in Ikeja to celebrate this year’s Isese Day, calling for peace, unity and peaceful coexistence among residents.
The event brought together traditionalists, supervisors, members of the legislative arm led by the Head of the Legislative Arm, Hon. Ogunseye Adisa, and the All Progressives Congress (APC) Chairman in Ikeja LGA, Alhaji Adekunle Dally-Adeokun, among other stakeholders.
Speaking at the celebration, Comrade Dauda commended the Lagos State Government for officially recognising August 20 as Isese Day, noting that traditional worshippers had long advocated for recognition of the cultural festival.
He said the celebration was an opportunity for traditional worshippers to preserve their culture and offer prayers for the peace and progress of Nigeria, Lagos State, Ikeja and their respective communities.
“First, we should thank the Governor for declaring August 20 as Isese Day, which our forefathers have been advocating for. It is our culture. Each community has its deities that they believe in, and we support them as they celebrate their day with cash and gift items,” Comrade Dauda said.
According to him, the various communities used the occasion to pray for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Governor, the local government and the people.
“Even though we have agreed that Nigeria is a secular state, we believe in one God. We are promoting our culture while also promoting the fact that we are serving one God and promoting peace,” he said.
Comrade Dauda urged traditional worshippers and other residents to use the occasion to pray for peace, the wellbeing of children and peaceful coexistence among the diverse communities in Ikeja.
He stressed that while different communities might have different traditional practices and deities, the celebration should serve as an avenue to promote unity, respect and peaceful coexistence.
Also speaking, the Regent of the Olu of Ikeja, Adekunle Apena, commended the local government for bringing traditionalists together to mark the occasion.
He explained that Isese Day provided an opportunity for traditional worshippers to come together and perform traditional rites in accordance with their beliefs and customs.
Apena urged traditionalists to continue preserving their culture and conducting themselves responsibly, while respecting the rights and beliefs of people who practise other religions.
He also called on the worshippers to remain law-abiding and ensure that their celebrations did not infringe on the rights of others.
The celebration featured traditional rites, prayers and cultural activities, with participants using the occasion to pray for peace and prosperity in Ikeja, Lagos State and Nigeria.