Don’t Alter Our Culture; Akure Group Challenges Akeredolu Over Order To Monarch

By Ayodele Oni

A socio cultural group in Akure, Ondo state, Ooye Development Initiative, (ODI) has challenged Governor Rotimi Akeredolu over directive that traditional rulers must seek clearance from government before closing markets for traditional festivals.

ODI described the directive as ‘anti-culture’ and perceived hostility of the present administration to Deji of Akure in particular and entire people of the community.

In a release issued by ODI Secretary, Professor Abiodun Ayodele and Publicity Secretary, Dr. Festus Adedayo, the group said it considered the statement credited to the Commissioner for Information in the state, Mrs Bamidele Ademola-Olateju not in the best interest of the people.

“We consider the statement a continuation of the Oluwarotimi Akeredolu government’s persistent riding roughshod over the people of Akure, hostility to their ancient practices and persistent disregard for their monarchy and the monarch.

“The closure of markets for the yearly festival has not only been in practice in Akure since ancient time, it constitutes the corpus of tradition, belief system and practices of the people, which is guided by laws, order and consideration for the welfare of the people of the state capital.

“At the beginning of the age long traditional festival and as is its wont every year, the Deji of Akure, through his Chief Press Secretary, adequately announced the programme for the observance of the annual Aheregbe Festival, part of which was the closure of markets.

“During this period, no trading or opening of shops was allowed, with the exemption of pharmacy shops and Patent Medicine Stores which are always allowed to open, but with strict enforcement of free human and vehicular movements in the state capital.

“We are also aware that the Deji-in-Council thoroughly monitors this festival to ensure that miscreants do not infiltrate the ranks of those who quietly observe the culture of the ancient kingdom.

“It was then shocked that the Akeredolu government could unilaterally, without prior consultation with the custodian of this culture – the king – ban this practice which it said was one of the glues that cement the Akure society together.

“Every town and village has its cultures and traditions that have been in existence since time immemorial.

“The ones that are felt to be repugnant to public good are either reformed or done away with. The Aheregbe is in the league of ‘Igogo Festival’ celebrated by the people of the governor’s hometown of Owo.

“At Igogo, residents are banned by culture from beating drums of any kind, even at ceremonies such as marriage, burial etc.

“This happens for weeks and does not exclude churches. We are not aware that the governor has banned Igogo in Owo. Why is he then banning Aheregbe in Akure.

“If the alibi of the ban was to pave way for the full exercise of fundamental rights, the Igogo Festival was also in violation of the freedom and rights of the people.

“The philosophy of the Aheregbe is to encourage traders in the city to rest for a day in a year and pray for the progress of the city, just as their King does during the annual Ulefunta Festival.

“Ahereghe is not evil and has no demonic affiliation to any god. It can be explained in the need for social harmony, a good and healthy citizenry and should not be outlawed by the fiat of an executive.”

The state government decision to announce the directive was due to counter instructions from Akure monarch and that of Isinkan, which caused tension among the two communities.