……Urges Youths to Embrace Modernity Without Abandoning Identity.
Emmanuel Ikpeama
Lagos — The Paramount Ruler of Orile Alagbado Kingdom, _Oba Adeshoga Williams Adeyoola (TOMIA 1), has called on Yoruba people to preserve their cultural heritage, promote peace and strengthen unity as the Alagbado community joined the rest of Lagos to celebrate the 2026 Isese Festival.
The monarch made the call on Wednesday while felicitating with traditionalists, culture lovers and residents of Alagbado during the annual celebration of Yoruba indigenous religion and traditions
Oba Adeshoga described Isese Day as a celebration of deities and an important expression of Yoruba identity, history, spirituality and indigenous heritage.
He urged traditional religion worshippers and all Yoruba sons and daughters to use the occasion to reflect on the values of their ancestors.
“We must first understand the meaning of Isese, which refers to what we inherited from our forefathers. Isese is the senior of all religions to us, so we have good reason to celebrate it. It is connected with our traditional ways and heritage; it is something to be recognized and celebrated,” he said.
“As we celebrate today, I urge us to remember that culture is not merely about festivals, ceremonies and traditional attire. It is also about character, communal responsibility, respect, wisdom, truth and peaceful coexistence.”
He noted that values such as peaceful coexistence, communal responsibility, respect for elders, truthfulness, integrity and love for humanity remain essential to the development of Yoruba communities.
The monarch charged the younger generation to take greater interest in their cultural heritage, stressing that modernization should not lead to cultural erosion.
“Our youths must understand that embracing modernity does not require abandoning our identity. We can be globally relevant while remaining proudly connected to our Yoruba roots.
Let us preserve our language, document our history, support our festivals and ensure that the wisdom embedded in our indigenous knowledge is passed from one generation to another,” Oba Adeshoga said.
He emphasized that the preservation of culture requires collective and conscious efforts by both the young and old.
With the 2027 general election approaching, the Alagbado king also advised political leaders to uphold integrity in governance.
“My simple message to our leaders is to advise them to be faithful, do the right thing, and make sure everything goes the way it is supposed to go,” he said.
Oba Adeshoga prayed for peace, progress and prosperity across Alagbado Kingdom, Lagos State, Yorubaland and Nigeria, urging citizens to promote understanding irrespective of religious, political or cultural differences.
The Executive Chairman of Ojokoro LCDA,Hon. Barr. Adenike Oluyemisi Rosiji,represented by Alhaji Jamiu Olaoti, said the council has consistently supported Isese celebrations to seek blessings for the kingdom.
“This is something we do every year to appreciate the deities. Every 20th of August is marked to appreciate our deities, ask for what we want, and request blessings for the kingdom. Since doing this, we always see positive results,” he said.
He urged that celebrations must promote peace, discipline and respect for other faiths, and commended Oba Adeshoga for improving traditional affairs in Alagbado.
The Leader of Ojokoro LCDA Legislative Council, _Hon. Usman Ipaye_, said: “Isese represents the legacy and foundations established by our forefathers, and we should continue to embrace, uphold, and pass it on to future generations.”
Oba Olofa of Irese Land, Oba Owolabi Atanda Adefila 1 called for peaceful elections and urged youths to desist from drug and alcohol abuse.
“My word for the youth is that we want them to desist from any alcoholic or drug abuse. They should embrace good behavior so that their lives will be better,” he said.
Alhaja Silifa Olujimi, Iyaloja General Ojokoro LCDA said Isese predates other religions and warned against abandoning cultural roots.
“Neglecting our culture is what harms Nigeria. Going to church or mosque doesn’t mean you should forget your background or where you come from,” she stated.
The event featured dance presentations and a drama playlet projecting the values of Isese Day.
Dignitaries present included Dr. Adekunle Olayinka, SA Works to the Lagos State Governor_ represented by Hon. Obayomi; Hon. Jolaosho Custard; Chiefs, Baales and other stakeholders.
Isese Day, officially recognized by the Lagos State Government as August 20, is celebrated annually to honor Yoruba culture, indigenous religion and ancestral traditions.
