Isese Day: Stop abandoning our culture, tradition – Ogun Chief Priest to Yoruba descendants
A renowned Chief Priest and founder of the Agbotifayo Empire, Chief Ayedun Ifadare Owodunni, has advised all Yoruba sons and daughters to embrace and uphold their cultural and spiritual legacy instead of abandoning it.
Chief Owodunni, popularly known as Agbotifayo, explained that ignoring these cultures and traditions was like disconnecting a river from its source.
He maintained that people must be true to their roots, emphasising that these deities have once aided them while at home or in the diaspora.
Agbotifayo spoke on Wednesday in Isara Remo during the annual Ifa sacrifice held to commemorate the 2025 Isese Day celebration.
His words, “There is no Yoruba man or woman who doesn’t have one or two traditional deities in their family. We are all Africans, and there is evidence that these traditional practices have helped us.
“Whether at home or abroad, there is at least one deity that has aided you. Abandoning our culture and tradition is like a river disconnected from its source.
The Chief priest commended the Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, for recognizing African traditional religion through the declaration of August 20 as a public holiday to mark Isese Day.
He described the governor’s gesture as a step in the right direction, pointing out that traditional worshippers had been marginalized for decades, while Islam and Christianity were officially recognised through public holidays.
“We appreciate Governor Dapo Abiodun for giving us the holiday to celebrate Isese Day, we have been really happy with that. We thank God that the prayers of our forefathers have been answered.
“While we were in school, we were taught that there are three religions: Traditional, Christian, and Islamic. So why was traditional religion relegated initially? We are grateful that we now have our annual holiday on August 20. Before now, the other two religions were the only ones enjoying holidays”.
“I therefore want to plead with our dear Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, to give further support to the institutionalization of traditional worship so it becomes even better than it is currently,” he added.
Meanwhile, he offered prayers for peace, growth, and development in Ogun State and Nigeria at large.
