Isese Festival

Isese Cultural Festival 2011: to usher peace, stability in Lagos

LAGOS State just  like some states in the country most especially in the South West, people worship a huge number of deities brought by  Olofin, who brought along with him, deities  that include Igunuko, Osun, Alaragbo, Egungun, Olokun  and Elegba.

History has it that it was while he was on a historical expedition from Ile-Ife to Lagos, the cradle of Yoruba land, alongside his entire family members that brought to Lagos Isese.

Today, all the deities are elaborately worshipped and celebrated like Christians and Muslims would celebrate Christmas and Eid-il-filri. In fact traditional worship centres where traditionalists and cultural devotees worship are everywhere in the state most especially in Ebute Metta were we have the likes Ijo Orunmila where weekly preaching's and teachings are honestly done.

It is not surprising however, that August 20th of every year was set aside to celebrate this wonderful practice and celebration of African traditional values and culture as done in America during Halloween and here in Lagos State is called Isese Day.

To this end Lagos State will again on the 20th August come alive with the celebration of The 2011 Isese Cultural Festival with the theme Ifa-Irosundi which will be hosted by the Mainland sect and it is usually rotated round the state.

This year's theme was disclosed to Travels & Tours during the appeasement divination for the successful celebration of the festival by the Opemuluwa of Agege Chief Kehinde Anipupo who also led others in prayer during the appeasement.

The appeasement divination which took place at the compound of the President of Association of African Traditional Religion, Nigeria & Overseas (AATREN), the Opemoluwa of Ikate, Elegushi Land, Chief Olusegun  Elegushi  were peace, stability and prosperity of Lagos State were prayed for and  Present at the meeting include all the state executives and the planning committee of the 2011 festival  headed by the paramount Apena of Mainland Chief Adegboyega Junaid.

Speaking with Travels & Tours during the appeasement divination ceremony in Lekki, the chairman of the planning committee and the Paramount Apena of Mainland Chief Adegboyega Junaid said that the programme for these years celebration has began and today marks the beginning of a new calendar year.

According to him, before the grand finale on August 20th, there is going to be a seminar on the Isese Day were the public will be enlightened on the importance of the festival to traditional religion institution.

On the issue of declaring every August 20th a public holiday for the celebration of the Isese Day just like the Christians and Muslims do have their own public holiday to celebrate theirs, Junaid said they are still awaiting the response of the state government no their request adding that just like every other religion in the country they also deserves to have their day declared a public holiday.

Also speaking to waka-about on the coming Isese Day was the Opemuluwa of Agege and the head priest during the occasion Chief Kehinde Anipupo, he said part of the appeasement is to pray for Nigeria and indeed Lagos State so that the issue of bombing in the North will not occur in Lagos and for the protection of the state and the  governor Raji Babatunde Fashola.