Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has assured Isese observers that his government would keep promoting and supporting them to preserve the cultural and traditional heritage of the people.
He recently gave the assurance at the grand finale of the 2025 Isese Festival with the theme “Unity Is The Way To Success,” held at the Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Adamasingba, Ibadan.
Speaking through the state Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Wasiu Olatubosun, he hailed all the devotees for their peaceful co-existence, tolerance, and support for his administration.
According to him, Isese adherents deserve a lot of praise for upholding the cultural heritage through the preservation of traditional beliefs across the geopolitical zones of the Oyo state.
He urged them to keep making traditional festivals and beliefs attractive to the young in order to preserve the heritage.
This is coming after the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Olatubosun, appreciated Makinde for ensuring the Sango Festival is enlisted and recognised as the first Yoruba cultural festival of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.
He celebrated the governor for sticking to his promise to maintain equality among Christians, Muslims, and traditional worshippers across the state.
Tunbosun concluded by saying that since the governor assumed office, no religion has felt left out.
“I want to express gratitude to the governor for always keeping to his promises. Let’s recall, during the electioneering period, he did promise that if he became the governor, he would ensure there is a holiday for the celebration of Isese Day and today, it has become a reality.
Apart from that, he promised that in his administration, there would be equality in the three major religions in the state—Christianity, Islam, and traditionalism. This shows he is a governor for all.
We have been clamouring for this for a long time in this state, all to no avail. But since Makinde came on board, he has ensured that every religion is carried along, and we are happy with this development.
For all of these achievements, our elders are expressing gratitude. We have been celebrating this event in the stadium since last year, and we are very happy to be here. I am glad about the turnout of today’s event is witnessing. Seeing even the little children gladdens my heart.
Having said that, I want to urge us all to continue to support the governor, who has started well, so that he can end well. Always remember him and the state in your prayers,” he added.
