…APM Oyo Central Senatorial Candidate Commends Makinde for Recognising Yoruba Cultural Heritage
The Allied Peoples Movement (APM) candidate for Oyo Central Senatorial District, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, has called for religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence among residents of Oyo State as traditional religion adherents celebrate the 2026 Isese Day.
Ajadi, in a goodwill message issued and personally signed on Wednesday, congratulated adherents of the Yoruba traditional religion and the people of Oyo State on the celebration, urging residents to respect one another’s religious beliefs and practices.
The Isese Day celebration is scheduled for Thursday, August 20, 2026, which the Oyo State Government has declared a work-free day to enable residents to participate in activities marking the occasion.
The declaration by the state government, according to Ajadi, represents an important recognition of the cultural and historical significance of Yoruba tradition and spirituality.
The APM senatorial candidate urged traditional religion worshippers to celebrate peacefully and responsibly, while ensuring that their activities respect the rights and sensitivities of adherents of other faiths.
He stressed that religious differences should never become a source of bitterness, division or conflict, particularly at a time when the country needs greater unity and mutual understanding.
“I congratulate our people on this year’s occasion of Isese Day, a day set aside as a living expression of our traditions and a celebration of Yoruba spirituality as an important part of Nigeria’s cultural and religious landscape,” Ajadi said.
He appealed to Christians, Muslims and traditional religion adherents to continue to live together peacefully, describing religious tolerance as essential to the stability and development of Oyo State.
Ajadi, who is also known for his philanthropic activities, urged residents to use the Isese celebration as an opportunity to pray for peace, unity and stability in Oyo State and Nigeria.
He said the significance of the celebration should go beyond cultural festivities, encouraging residents to seek divine intervention in the affairs of the country and pray for solutions to its challenges.
He further urged political actors and their supporters to maintain peace and avoid inflammatory activities as the state gradually moves towards the campaign season for the 2027 general elections.
According to him, political differences should not be allowed to undermine the existing bonds of brotherhood and peaceful coexistence among the people.
Ajadi also commended Governor Seyi Makinde for granting Isese Day official recognition and declaring Thursday a work-free day to allow residents to participate in the celebration.
He described the decision as a demonstration of respect for Yoruba history, tradition and cultural identity.
“I commend Governor Seyi Makinde for giving the celebration the deserved recognition by declaring a public holiday for a genuine celebration of Yoruba tradition and culture,” he said.
Ajadi noted that the Yoruba are one of Africa’s largest and most historically significant ethnic groups, stressing that the preservation and celebration of their cultural heritage should be encouraged within the framework of mutual respect and peaceful coexistence.
He urged residents to celebrate the day with dignity and use the occasion to promote the values of unity, tolerance, cultural pride and peaceful coexistence.
The APM candidate wished traditional religion adherents and all residents of Oyo State a peaceful and meaningful Isese Day celebration.
