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The Lagos State Government has declared Thursday, August 20, 2026, a work-free day to enable residents and visitors to participate in activities marking the 2026 รแนฃแบนฬแนฃe Day celebration.
The announcement was made by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Idris Aregbe, in a statement issued on Wednesday.
Aregbe said the decision was intended to allow Lagos residents and visitors to fully participate in the celebration, which is expected to attract more than three million traditional worshippers.
He described รแนฃแบนฬแนฃe Day as more than a public holiday, saying it represents an important expression of Yoruba spirituality and cultural heritage.
According to him, Yoruba traditions have continued to be preserved and passed down through generations, with รแนฃแบนฬแนฃe festivals also observed in countries including Cuba, Brazil and parts of the Caribbean where Yoruba descendants live.
The 2026 celebration marks the culmination of a week-long programme of traditional activities and has been observed as a work-free day in Lagos since 2023, following a request by the Lagos State Council of Obas and Chiefs.
The state government said Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has continued the practice as part of his administrationโs commitment to indigenous values and religious inclusiveness under the THEMES+ Agenda.
The celebration will feature prayers, rituals, processions, drumming and cultural displays dedicated to the รrรฌแนฃร . The activities will be coordinated by the Association of African Traditional Religion Nigeria and Overseas.
Aregbe urged participants to celebrate peacefully and respectfully, stressing that the event is intended to promote cultural pride and unity.
He also acknowledged the contributions of traditional rulers and custodians of Yoruba culture, including the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu I, traditional chiefs, Babalรกwo, รyรกnรญfรก, Olรณรฒrรฌแนฃร and other custodians of Yoruba traditions.
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