Isese Day: Igbogbo/Baiyeku Chairman Calls for Preservation of Yoruba Heritage

 Isese Day: Igbogbo/Baiyeku Chairman Calls for Preservation of Yoruba Heritage

The Executive Chairman of Igbogbo/Baiyeku Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Omo’ba Hammed Olalekan Aroyewun, has called on residents to preserve and promote Yoruba cultural heritage, describing Isese as a living tradition that promotes unity, dignity and harmonious coexistence.

Aroyewun made the call in his Isese Day message commemorating the August 20, 2026 celebration, which brings together adherents and cultural enthusiasts across Lagos State and beyond.

The council chairman said Isese should not be viewed as outdated or divisive, but as an integral part of the Yoruba people's identity, values, festivals and way of life.

According to him, “Isese is our language, our values, our festivals, our way of life. It is the golden thread that weaves through our history, connecting us to our ancestors, to our present, and to the legacy we shall bequeath to generations yet unborn.”

Aroyewun described Igbogbo/Baiyeku as a custodian of Yoruba heritage, noting that the community has preserved traditions that have endured through generations and contributed to the cultural identity of Yoruba people in Nigeria and the diaspora.

He stressed that Ìṣẹ̀ṣe remains a living expression of Yoruba traditions and spirituality, as well as an important component of Nigeria’s cultural and religious landscape.

The chairman urged residents to embrace the values embedded in their cultural heritage while remaining open to progress and development.

He said traditional practices could serve as a foundation for peaceful coexistence, mutual respect, dignity and community development.

Aroyewun also encouraged sons and daughters of Igbogbo/Baiyeku to participate actively in the Isese Day celebrations, saying the festivities should demonstrate the community’s unity and pride in its heritage.

“Let the drums echo our pride. Let our processions testify to our unity,” he said, while calling for prayers and goodwill across religious lines.

He extended his greetings to Igbogbo/Baiyeku indigenes and residents in Nigeria and the diaspora, particularly youths and elders who, he said, have important roles to play in preserving the community’s cultural heritage.

Aroyewun concluded by wishing residents a peaceful and successful Isese Day celebration, expressing optimism that the culture would continue to flourish and that unity, peace and progress would remain hallmarks of Igbogbo/Baiyeku LCDA.

“May our culture flourish. May our unity strengthen. May the peace and progress of Igbogbo/Baiyeku continue without cease,” he said.

Isese l’agba! Isese l’agba gbogbo wa!