Farmer Hon. Omolara Kafilat Busari Svensson, an advocate for agriculture, culture and community development, has extended warm felicitations to traditional worshippers and custodians of Yoruba culture across Oyo State as they celebrate Isese Day 2026.
In a goodwill message marking the celebration, Hon. Omolara described Isese Day as an important occasion for celebrating the rich cultural heritage, traditions, values and spiritual identity of the Yoruba people.
She particularly felicitated the Olosun, Onifa, Yemoja, as well as traditional worshippers, devotees, custodians of indigenous knowledge and cultural stakeholders across the state, commending their contributions to the preservation and promotion of Yoruba heritage.
She noted that Isese represents more than a celebration of tradition, stressing that it is an opportunity to honour the roots, values and cultural institutions that have continued to shape the identity of the Yoruba people.
Hon. Omolara also congratulated His Imperial Majesty, Oba Senator Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, Arusa I, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, describing his ascension to the throne as a significant development in the history and traditional institution of Ibadanland.
She commended the Olubadan for his wisdom, experience and commitment to the unity, peace and progress of Ibadanland, while wishing him a reign filled with good health, wisdom and enduring accomplishments.
She equally felicitated His Excellency, Engr. Seyi Makinde, FNSE, the Executive Governor of Oyo State, for his administration’s recognition of the importance of culture, tradition and peaceful coexistence in the development of the state.
According to her, the celebration of Isese Day provides an opportunity for all stakeholders to appreciate the diversity of Oyo State and strengthen the bonds of unity among its people.
She urged traditional worshippers and cultural custodians to continue to preserve the values and traditions handed down by their forebears while promoting peace, tolerance, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence among people of different faiths.
“Today, we celebrate our heritage and honour our roots. Isese Day reminds us of the importance of preserving our culture, respecting our traditions and passing our rich heritage from one generation to another.
“I felicitate with the Olosun, Onifa, Yemoja, all traditional worshippers and custodians of our cultural heritage across Oyo State. I also celebrate His Imperial Majesty, Oba Senator Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, Arusa I, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, and His Excellency, Engr. Seyi Makinde, the Governor of Oyo State.
“May our traditions continue to unite us, strengthen our values and guide us towards peace, prosperity and a more harmonious society.”
Hon. Omolara further called on the people of Oyo State, particularly the younger generation, to embrace and learn more about the rich cultural heritage of their forebears, noting that preserving culture is essential to preserving identity and building a united future.
She concluded by wishing all traditional worshippers in Oyo State a peaceful, meaningful and memorable Isese Day celebration.
“Isese a gbe wa o! Àbọ̀rú, Àbọ̀yè!”
