Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has commended the people of the South-West, particularly traditional rulers and traditional religious worshippers, for upholding the cultural heritage of the Yoruba.

The governor made the commendation in his statement issued by his spokesman, Gboyega Akosile, to commemorate the ‘Isese Day’ in Lagos on Tuesday.

Mr Sanwo-Olu, the chairman of the South-West Governors’ Forum, also commended other governors in the region for declaring a public holiday in their respective states to celebrate the day.

“The world has become a global village with an attendant result in multiculturalism. The Yoruba have unique culture and traditions that must be preserved for the future generations. I commend all traditional rulers and people of the South-Western part of the country for upholding these cultural and traditional virtues of the Yoruba race.

“I charge you all to use the occasion of today’s celebrations to remind themselves of the importance of the Yoruba Omoluabi ethos. These include tolerance, hospitality, peaceful co-existence among ourselves, different religious groups and our neighbours,” he said.

The governor noted that these values must continue to be the hallmark of the Yoruba people.

On Monday, the Lagos government declared August 20 a public holiday to allow residents and Yoruba people to participate actively in the ‘Isese’ Day celebration.

The day celebrates the Yoruba traditions and religion by displaying culture and spirituality. It is usually celebrated every August 20 as a day for traditional worshipers to celebrate their deities.

(NAN)