Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, has been bestowed with a new traditional name, Orisaseyi Omimakinde, by traditionalists in the state during the 2025 Isese Day celebration.
The colourful event, held at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan, on Wednesday, drew thousands of traditional worshippers dressed in distinctive white attires and regalia. The day was marked with prayers, rituals, cultural displays, and tributes to the governor for what they described as his unwavering support for Yoruba traditional religion.
Isese Day, also known as Traditional Worshippers’ Day, is observed annually on August 20 to honour the Yoruba cultural heritage, showcase indigenous beliefs, and offer gratitude to the Orishas (deities) that form the core of the faith.
This year’s celebration in Oyo State stood out as the traditionalists jointly christened Governor Makinde “Orisaseyi Omimakinde”, which they translated as “the traditionalists’ oracle of prosperity”.
The practitioners also offered prayers and libations to the Orishas, seeking blessings, guidance, and unity for Oyo State under Makinde’s leadership.
By conferring the title on the governor, the traditionalists said they were acknowledging his commitment to preserving Yoruba culture, promoting religious harmony, and giving recognition to traditional worshippers alongside adherents of other faiths in the state.
