Traditionalists in Oyo State, under the aegis of Traditional Religion Worshippers Association (TRWA) has urged the state government to declare a specific date for the observance of “Orisa Day”.
They said it was important to declare a day, preferably August 20th, for the observance of their annual Orisa Day, since “the recognition given to Christianity and Islam is physically pronounced with the declaration of a particular day for the observance of a festival day for their adherents, which in turn is observed by all as a public holiday.”
Not long ago, the association, through its leaders, had submitted a position paper to the Oyo State House of Assembly on the need to recognise the association.
A statement signed leaders of the association and made available to journalists by its chairman, Oke Adejare Adisa in Oyo town, added that the coming together of adherents of various traditional religionists under one umbrella is one of the reasons why a public holiday should be declared for traditionalists.
It added: “we wish for a registration on the floor of the House of Assembly through abill recognising the existence of the Orisa Traditional Religionists in Oyo State and subsequently a declaration of a specific date for the observance of Orisa Day just like Easter, Christmas, Eid-l-fitri and others.
Imploring the executive arm of government to set aside a date, the statement commended members of the State Assembly. “We want to appreciate the entire lawmakers of the Oyo State House of Assembly for the motion and resolution of the House at your plenary.”
