



The Lagos State Government has declared Monday, August 21, as a work-free day for all public servants in the state in commemoration of the 2023 Isese Day celebration which will be held on Sunday, August 20.





This is contained in a circular dated August 18 and obtained by newsmen on Saturday.





The circular, which was signed by the Lagos State Head of Service, Mr. Hakeem Muri-Okunola, noted that the declaration of Monday as a work-free day for public servants by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu was “with a view to promoting our indigenous culture and tradition while preserving our heritage.”





“In restating its commitment to continue to provide the necessary support to traditional institutions in the state with a view to promoting our indigenous culture and tradition while preserving our heritage, Mr. Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has graciously declared Monday, 21st August 2023, a work-free day for public servants in the state. Work will, therefore, resume on Tuesday, 22nd August at 8 am prompt,” the circular partly read.





It was reported that the Lagos State Council of Obas and Chiefs had in July urged the Lagos State Government to officially recognise and declare August 20 as Isese Day holiday in the state.





The traditional rulers, who spoke at the inauguration of the state Council of Obas and Chiefs for another tenure of five years, said it had become important for the state government to recognise August 20 as Isese Day in the spirit of democracy and freedom of religion.





Speaking on behalf of the council, the Elegushi of Ikate-Elegushi Kingdom, Oba Saheed Elegushi, said, “It is a demand that has been on the table of the governor for so long.”