Celebrated Nigerian performance artist Jelili Atiku has called on the Federal Government to officially recognise the country’s indigenous faiths by declaring a national public holiday in their honour.
Atiku, renowned for his provocative works that fuse Yoruba cosmology with political activism, made the appeal in Lagos during an interview marking this year’s Isese Day.
He argued that giving indigenous religions the same visibility accorded to Islam and Christianity would strengthen Nigeria’s cultural identity and contribute to national healing. “This would send a clear signal that we are decolonising ourselves,” Atiku said.
Currently, only Lagos, Oyo and Ogun states observe such a holiday. Atiku said extending the recognition nationwide would symbolise respect for Nigeria’s traditional communities, many of which he described as marginalised and impoverished.
The artist insisted that indigenous rituals remain deeply spiritual and essential for community survival. “Declaring a public holiday would not just give recognition but also restore confidence and unity among Nigerians,” he noted.
He described the step as a “cleansing of the darkness”, allowing people to reflect on the value of their traditions and lives within a modern Nigerian context.
Atiku’s internationally acclaimed performances, such as Ejìwàrò: The Unearthly and Festival of the Earth, have been staged globally, including at the Venice Biennale. His art continues to highlight overlooked indigenous perspectives while championing cultural dignity as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s future.
