Isèse fosters prosperity, peace, values — Traditional ruler
Lagos, Aug. 2026 (TBL Africa ) The traditional ruler of Shomolu-Bariga community, Oba Gbolahan Jangumolu III, says Isèse fosters peace, promotes Yoruba cultural values, prosperity and societal progress.
Jangumolu made the remarks in an interview on Thursday in Lagos to mark the 2026 Ìsèse Day.
He said the celebration offered traditional worshippers an opportunity to honour their ancestors, uphold their traditions, and offer prayers for their families, communities, the government and the nation.
“Isese Day is a traditional day reminding us of our ancestors.
“We are celebrating our founders who found the land.
“We remember them, pray for ourselves and do things according to the old ways,” he said.
The traditional ruler said the practice was also associated with prosperity and development, noting that his community had witnessed growth since he became the leader.
Jangumolu said the community once had just one distant bank, but now boasts over eight banks and a growing number of businesses.
“Businesses are also springing up and there are soft loans for people who want to start businesses,” he said.
He said traditional worshippers made substantial expenditures during Ìsèse celebrations on sacrifices and other rites, believing they attracted blessings and progress.
He said those beliefs stemmed from the doctrines and practices of traditional worshippers, noting that Yoruba traditional religion was attracting global attention.
The traditional ruler said Yoruba descendants and others in countries including Brazil were embracing Yoruba religious traditions and culture.
He said traditional custodians were working to dispel misconceptions about traditional worship, adding that more people were beginning to understand and accept its practices.
“It is a difficult war, but it is already being corrected.
“People are seeing things for themselves and are beginning to accept and understand what we practise,” he said.
On the declaration of Ìsèse Day as a public holiday by south-western states, Jangumolu said it would allow residents to take part in activities, offer prayers, honour ancestors and socialise..
