Ogun State Government, through the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, has reaffirmed its continuous support for adherents of traditional religion, while calling for peaceful co-existence among the different groups for the overall progress of the State and the nation at large.

 Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Sesan Fagbayi, made this known during the grand finale of the 2025 Isese Day Festival, at the June 12 Cultural Center, Kuto, Abeokuta.

According to him, the festival, which had been officially endorsed by His Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun, through the declaration of August 20th as a public holiday in Ogun State, provides a platform for adherents of traditional religion to offer prayers for the peace, unity and progress of the State.

“It is pertinent to appreciate our amiable Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, for his qualitative support towards preserving our cultural heritage, particularly this legacy which will be bequeathed to present and future generations,” he said.

He further emphasised that traditional religion holds unquantifiable benefits, noting that traditional medicine continues to evolve with potent remedies, some already certified to standard level, while research are still ongoing on others.

Representing the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, the Onitanfin of Orile Tafin, Ibarapa Land, Oba Morufu Alani Adebayo, commended Governor Abiodun for fostering unity among the various Isese groups across the State. He noted that such unity and love would ensure peace and progress among different religious communities.

In his goodwill message, Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka, described traditional religion as a faith as old as creation itself, endowed with many spiritual and healing powers. He urged adherents to safeguard the faith against erosion, particularly among younger generations.

“Our customs cannot be eroded. Even foreigners who have benefited from the religion are now strong adherents, traveling down for the festival, while we, the custodians, continue to discriminate,” Soyinka cautioned.

Speaking on the theme of the year’s celebration, “The Role of Government and Kings in Traditional Religion,” spokesperson and Aro Ijo Orunmila Worldwide, Ifakayode Akanbi, applauded the Governor for his support, stressing the need for greater efforts in promoting the faith.

He called on the government to create wider awareness, foster stronger relations between traditional rulers and the State as well as include traditional religion in school curricula to prevent extinction and strengthen cultural history, adding that traditional rulers and Isese practitioners had crucial roles in ensuring that civilisation does not erode the rich cultural heritage of the people, especially in the sacred institution of kingship.