AATREN Chief, Barr. Peju Omotayo, Hails Lagos Govt, Hon. Bonu for Championing Ìṣẹ̀ṣe Day Recognition

  By Peter Dansu  The Legal Officer of Association of African Traditional Religion of Nigeria (AATREN), Chief (Mrs.) Barrister Peju Omotayo,...

 By Peter Dansu 

The Legal Officer of Association of African Traditional Religion of Nigeria (AATREN), Chief (Mrs.) Barrister Peju Omotayo, has commended the Lagos State Government and Hon. Solomon Saanu Bonu, Member of the Lagos State House of Assembly representing Badagry Constituency 1, for their pivotal roles in securing official recognition for Ìṣẹ̀ṣe Day.

Omotayo, who made her remarks via a Facebook comment on Hon. Bonu’s press release celebrating the 2025 edition of Ìṣẹ̀ṣe Day, described the declaration of the holiday as a historic victory for African traditional religion and culture. She applauded Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration for what she called a “bold and overdue step” in acknowledging the heritage of millions of Lagosians.

“For over 25 years, we clamored for this holiday in honour of our culture, tradition, and religion. Today, our culture, our tradition, our religion, and our language—our identity, our heritage, our pride—are finally being given the respect they deserve,” she said.

Omotayo further urged the Federal Government to emulate Lagos and other Southwestern states by declaring Ìṣẹ̀ṣe Day a national public holiday. According to her, such recognition would balance the scales, as Christianity and Islam currently enjoy six work-free days annually, while African traditional religion has only just secured one.

In her statement, the AATREN legal officer lamented decades of cultural neglect and the demonization of African traditions by foreign influences, stressing that the continent must reclaim its pride.

“The Europeans packaged their religion, culture, and tradition and sold them to us, so also did the Arabs. They demonised what is ours while promoting theirs. Yet, despite disdain and contempt, the potency and values of African religion remain,” Omotayo said, adding that the resilience of traditional practices without evangelism or coercion is proof of their authenticity and global significance.

She expressed gratitude to Hon. Bonu, who doubles as Chairman of the House Committee on Tourism, Arts, and Culture, for championing the cause of cultural recognition. In his press release, Bonu had congratulated Lagosians on the commemoration of Ìṣẹ̀ṣe Day, lauding Governor Sanwo-Olu’s leadership and acknowledging AATREN’s efforts in preserving indigenous heritage.

“As we mark this occasion, I urge all Lagosians to embrace their cultural roots, promote unity, and celebrate the beauty of our diversity. I also call on our artists, cultural practitioners, and tourism stakeholders to leverage this platform to showcase Lagos’ unique heritage to the world,” Bonu stated.

Chief Omotayo also showered encomiums on AATREN leaders, including President Chief Elegushi Ifasegun and Chief (Mrs.) Folusho Adeogun Oga, describing them as “true sons and daughters of Africa” whose doggedness made the recognition possible.

She concluded with a call for other states and the Federal Government to declare Ìṣẹ̀ṣe Day a work-free holiday, saying, “We are waiting for the rest of Nigeria to follow Lagos’ example. This is not just about religion, it is about identity, dignity, and pride in who we are.”

With the growing acceptance of Ìṣẹ̀ṣe Day, cultural stakeholders believe the recognition could serve as a catalyst for deeper appreciation of African heritage and open doors for cultural tourism across the country.