The ruler of the Ikate Kingdom in Lagos State, Oba Saheed Elegushi, has praised the Lagos State government and other state governors who recognised the traditional festival celebration, Isese Day.

Mr Elegushi, during the celebration of the Day in his palace on Sunday, said the recognition would promote inclusion and equality.

“The recognition is long due, as traditional worshipers are part of the society and they belong to the same community as other faiths.

“It is only appropriate that they get their own holiday as a mark of respect to their beliefs as it is with Christianity and Islam. 

“I am happy that after years of making the calls to the government, the date is now on the calendar and recognised by the Lagos state government and some other governors in the South-West,” Mr Elegushi said.

The traditional ruler also appealed to the federal government to ensure the date became a national holiday. 

According to him, believers who are not of the two known faiths also contribute to the peace and progress of the country. 

Isese Day is set aside to recognise and celebrate traditional religious worship annually on August 20.

Osun and Ogun state governments have joined Lagos State to declare Monday a public holiday for the Isese Festival.

(NAN)