Traditionalists in Badagry, Lagos State, have appealed for stronger government recognition and support for the annual Isese celebration, saying the festival is important to preserving Nigeria’s indigenous culture and traditional religious heritage.
The appeal was made on Thursday during this year’s Isese celebration at the Esu-Elegba Shrine, located around Badagry Roundabout.
Traditional worshippers from different groups gathered at the event to observe traditional rites, honour their deities and showcase aspects of their cultural heritage.
Participating groups included Igunu, Zangbeto, Thron and Egungun, reflecting the diversity of traditional practices associated with the Isese festival.
Chief Priest seeks preservation of traditional worship
The Chief Priest of the Esu-Elegba Shrine, Yonwa Akapo, said traditional worshippers from various communities had visited the shrine to pray for blessings, protection and positive outcomes.
Akapo commended the Lagos State Government for declaring the day a public holiday, saying the decision enabled traditionalists to observe the festival and honour the deities associated with their ancestral beliefs.
He explained that traditional rites performed at the shrine included offerings such as dry gin, black pepper, kolanuts and bitter kola, which he said formed part of their prayers and worship.
According to Akapo, such practices are intended to strengthen the relationship between worshippers and their deities while seeking protection and positive energy.
He also encouraged traditional worshippers to remain committed to their faith, saying his personal experiences had reinforced his belief in traditional worship.
Badagry traditional ruler backs Isese recognition
The Oluwo Tobalse II of Badagry, Adeleke Okeneye, described the Isese celebration as an important occasion for recognising and preserving traditional religion.
Okeneye also praised the Lagos State Government for granting the celebration official recognition through the declaration of a public holiday.
He noted that indigenous and traditional religious practices exist in different parts of the world and are often rooted in the beliefs and customs handed down through generations.
He cited countries including Brazil, India and the United States, arguing that traditional religious practices have existed for centuries and should not be ignored or marginalised.
Traditional values could promote accountability
Jimoh Abdullahi, Chairman of Isegun, Zone 1, said traditional values could also contribute to better governance and help address corruption.
Abdullahi argued that leaders who made traditional oaths before their deities could become more conscious of their responsibilities and the consequences of misconduct.
He said incorporating aspects of traditional values into leadership could encourage greater accountability and responsible conduct among public officials.
Call for Isese Day to receive wider recognition
Oyindamade Adekoya, a female traditionalist, called on the government to give Isese Day greater prominence.
She said the celebration should receive recognition comparable to other major religious observances in Nigeria, particularly those associated with Islam and Christianity.
The Badagry Isese celebration brought together traditionalists and cultural groups to observe indigenous religious practices while highlighting the importance of preserving Nigeria’s cultural identity.
The participants maintained that greater institutional recognition of Isese could help protect indigenous traditions and ensure that they are passed on to future generations.
