Barrister Moyosore Ogunlewe
Below is the message of the Executive Chairman of Kosofe Local Government on Ìṣẹ̀ṣe Day.
Dear Residents of Kosofe Local Government Area,
On this occasion of Ìṣẹ̀ṣe Day 2025, we celebrate the profound essence of our cultural identity as Yorùbá people. Ìṣẹ̀ṣe represents far more than religious practice; it embodies the custodianship of our rich traditions, ancestral wisdom, and the fundamental values that define who we are as a community.
Our forebears understood that true progress stems from recognising our roots whilst embracing modernity. As we navigate contemporary challenges, the timeless wisdom of our ancestors provides invaluable guidance. The traditional institutions, oral traditions, and cultural practices preserved through Ìṣẹ̀ṣe connect us to generations past and illuminate our path forward.
The sacred Ifá verse teaches us:
“Òkun ṣú nàre nàre, Ọ̀sà ṣú lẹ̀gbẹẹ lẹ̀gbẹ
Aláṣán ń raṣán, Aláṣàn ń raṣàn
Àgbà ìmale wò ‘gbẹ̀yìn ọ̀rọ̀, Wọ́n ri pé kò suwọ́n
Wọ́n fi irunmú di gbágbá imú, Wọ́n fa’rungbọ̀n diyà pinpinpin
Dá fún ìṣẹ̀ṣe tíí ṣolórí òrò láyé, Bù fún ìṣẹ̀ṣe tíí ṣolórí òrò lọ́run
Ìyá ẹni ni ìṣẹ̀ṣe ẹni, Bàbá ẹni ni ìṣẹ̀ṣe ẹni
Orí ẹni ìṣẹ̀ṣe ẹni, Ọ̀kànlénígba irúnmọlẹ̀ ìṣẹ̀ṣe ẹni
ìṣẹ̀ṣe làbá bọ ní’fẹ̀, ká tó bọ ẹbọra.”
This Ifá verse reminds us that Ìṣẹṣe is the foundation of all existence – our mother, our father, our destiny, and the divine essence within us. It teaches that we must honour our traditional heritage before embracing foreign influences.
Today, we honour our culture bearers, traditionalists, and elders who have steadfastly preserved our heritage. Let us embrace our identity with pride whilst contributing meaningfully to Nigeria’s diversity.
Barr. Moyosore Adedoyin Ogunlewe
Executive Chairman
Kosofe Local Government Area