Some council chairs in Lagos have urged residents to uphold the Yoruba heritage as the state marks the 2026 Isese Day celebration.

They made the call on Thursday in separate goodwill messages to traditional institutions, custodians of culture, and residents across the state.

Isese Day is observed annually on August 20 to celebrate indigenous Yoruba spirituality, values, customs, and identity.

The chairman of Agbado-Okeodo Local Council Development Area, Abiodun Ejigbadero, said Isese reminds people that culture is more than a celebration, and it is their identity.

“People without a connection to their roots may struggle to fully appreciate the journey that brought them here,” he said.

He noted that traditional institutions remained invaluable pillars of peace, unity, moral values, and community development.

“May our traditions continue to unite us, our culture continue to guide us, and our heritage continue to inspire generations to come,” Mr Ejigbadero said.

Usman Hamzat, chairman of Ifako-Ijaiye LCDA, also said the celebration was not only a display of Yoruba culture, values, and history, but also a reminder of a noble heritage.

He urged residents to respect cultural and religious diversity and to work together for peace and development.

“May this year’s Isese Day bring joy, peace, good health and prosperity to our homes and to the entire Ifako-Ijaiye community,” he said.

The chairman of Orile-Agege LCDA, Akinola Idowu, noted that Isese Day celebrates rich cultural heritage, traditions, values, language, customs, arts, and identity.

He commended traditional rulers and worshippers for their continued efforts to preserve, promote, and uphold indigenous culture.

(NAN)