More than 20,000 traditional worshippers gathered at Ilaji Hotels and Sports Resort, Akanran in Ibadan, to celebrate Isese Day, offering prayers for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senator Sharafadeen Alli, Oyo State and Nigeria.
The colourful celebration, hosted by Okanlomo Oodua and Gbonka Olubadan of Ibadanland, Chief (Engr.) Jubril Dotun Sanusi, transformed the resort into a vibrant showcase of Yoruba culture, spirituality and tradition.
From dawn, the expansive venue came alive with chants, prayers, traditional rites, cultural displays and colourful appearances, as worshippers converged from across Oyo and neighbouring states.
The gathering attracted traditional worshippers, cultural custodians, market leaders, artisans, community leaders and other prominent Nigerians united by their shared commitment to preserving Yoruba heritage.
The worshippers prayed fervently for President Tinubu, asking for divine wisdom, strength and guidance as he continues steering Nigeria towards greater prosperity, peace, stability and national development.
They also prayed for Senator Alli, seeking divine favour, good health and success for the APC governorship candidate, while asking for peace, progress and prosperity across Oyo State.
Speaking at the celebration, Araba Awo of Oyo State, Oloye Ifalere Odegbemi, called on the Federal Government to officially recognise Aug. 20 as National Isese Day.
Odegbemi made the appeal through Senator Alli, who represented President Tinubu, saying official recognition would strengthen the preservation of Yoruba traditional religion, culture, heritage and indigenous values.
He said traditional worshippers and custodians of indigenous knowledge constituted an important component of Nigeria’s cultural identity and deserved greater recognition and inclusion in national activities.
The Araba commended President Tinubu for his commitment to national development, expressing confidence that his administration would continue to create an inclusive Nigeria where every cultural and religious tradition receives due respect.
He equally prayed for Senator Alli, describing him as a proud son of Oyo whose commitment to the people and love for the state remained worthy of support.
The host, Chief Jubril Dotun Sanusi, received widespread commendation for providing a befitting platform where Yoruba tradition, spirituality, entertainment and communal fellowship blended into a memorable cultural spectacle.
The celebration also attracted the Oniladuntan of Laduntan, HRM Oba Kamarudeen Adebowale; Mogaji Asimiyu Ariori, President, Association of Mogajis of Ibadanland; and Baale Kuebi Ige.
Others included Babaloja General, Alhaji YK Abass; Iyaloja Saratu Aduke; and President, Yoruba Youth Council, Mogaji Alawode Rahmon Akintunde, alongside other traditional leaders.
Market traders, artisans, community leaders, members of various JDS support groups and thousands of worshippers further added colour and energy to the historic gathering.
Beyond prayers and festivities, the celebration demonstrated the enduring strength of Yoruba identity, reaffirming that culture, tradition and indigenous spirituality remain powerful bridges for unity and peaceful coexistence.
The gathering ended with renewed prayers for Nigeria, Oyo State and their people, alongside calls for stronger government support for cultural institutions and indigenous heritage.
For the worshippers, the message was unmistakable: a prosperous Nigeria, a peaceful Oyo and responsible leadership remain shared aspirations, with prayers offered for President Tinubu and Senator Alli to succeed.
The spectacular celebration thus became more than an Isese Day gathering; it was a colourful declaration of cultural pride, national loyalty and unwavering love for Oyo State and Nigeria.
