By Ayodele Oni
Ondo state government has overruled the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade that ordered closure of markets and other commercial outlets in the state capital on Friday as he celebrates one of his traditional festivals.
Oba Ogunlade through his spokesman, Michael Adeyeye had issued a statement on Thursday to declare closure of all commercials centres and markets.
The statement read “The Palace of the Deji & Paramount Ruler of Akure Kingdom wishes to notify the residents of Akure and its environ that all Markets and Shops in Akure will be shut on Friday 25th August, 2023
“The closure became necessary as part of the requirement in observing the age long tradition of the annual Aheregbe Festival. It is important to emphasize that there shall be no trading or opening of shops under any guise during the festival.
“Residents, market women and shop owners are kindly enjoined to comply with this directive. However, only pharmacy shops and patent medicine stores are exempted from the closure of their shops during the festival.”
An Akure based lawyer, had kicked against the decision, reminding the monarch of a government order last year on the festival.
However in a statement, the state commissioner for information, Mrs
Bamidele Ademola-Olateju, reminded Oba Ogunlade that
“On August 24, 2022, one of the decisions made by the Executive Council was that; there shall be no closure of markets in any part of the state without the approval of the Governor.
“The statement credited to Mr. Michael Adeyeye, the Press Secretary of His Majesty, the Deji of Akure constitutes a clear violation of an existing order of the Government, and an abridgement the right of Akure residents to the pursuance of their livelihood.
“The public should note that even if an approval was sought, such closure would have been limited to Ọjà Ọba (Oba’s Market) in Akure.
“We urge our respected Royal father, His Majesty, the Deji of Akure to respect the government decision and refrain from any action that can inconvenience, and, or inflict economic pain to Akure inhabitants.
“We also ask that the cordial relationship between the revered stool of the Deji not be drawn into open confrontation with the government.
“Akure resident are urged to go about their normal business on Friday and beyond, in pursuance of their freedoms. No market or shop shall be closed by anyone either by coercion or threat of force before, during or after Aheregbe festival.
“Whoever flies in the face of this directive will draw the ire of the government. The government of Ondo State ask that; everyone should be law abiding and move about freely in the pursuit of happiness.”
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