Ondo: Government Enforces Closure Of Markets To Celebrate Traditional Festival

By Ayodele Oni

Armed Policemen were drafted to some major markers in Akure, Ondo State Capital on Monday to forestall a breakdown of law and order.

Two prominent Traditional Rulers have been flexing muscles since Sunday over closure of markets to celebrate an annual festival.

The Deji of Akure, Oba Oluwadare Ogunlade and Iralepo of Isinkan, Oba Oluwagbemiga Ajimokunola issued different directives to their subjects on closure of markets to mark the traditional festival.

True to their stands, some markers, especially those close to the Palace of Deji were shut whole commercial activities resumed at markets located close to Iralepo’s Palace.

Security operatives were deployed to enforce the closure of Isinkan markets and shops later in the day on the order of the Ondo State Government.

It was learnt that the Government intervened by asking both sides to maintain the peace and allow Isinkan markets to be shut down.

This was confirmed by the Iralepo of Isinkan Kingdom, Oba Oluwagbemiga Ajimokunola who addressed his subjects at his palace.

Oba Ogunlade had issued another directive on Sunday insisting that all markets in Akure and suburbs must close to observe the annual Aheregbe festival, excepts pharmaceutical shops.

The statement said “The attention of the Palace of the Deji and Paramount Ruler of Akure Kingdom has been drawn to a press statement and rumour flying around that shops, stalls and market within Isikan area are exempted from the closure in observance of Aheregbe festival schedule to hold tomorrow, Monday 22nd August, 2022

“Without mincing words, the closure became necessary as part of the age-long tradition in observance of the annual Aheregbe Festival and this will be observed in Isikan and all parts of Akure.

“The Palace wishes to inform residents that no trading or opening of shops under any guise will be allowed during the festival in Akure as earlier announced.

“For the sake of emphasis, ONLY Pharmacy shops and Patent Medicine Stores will be allowed to open during the festival.

“We enjoin residents, market women and shop owners in Akure to comply with this directive as no markets or shops in Akure will be spared. Once again, the festival will not restrict both human and vehicular movement.”

Speaking on the security situation, the Ondo State Police Command Spokesperson, Mrs Funmi Odunlami said it was not the duty of the Police to enforce market closure during traditional festival.

Odunlami explained that the duty of the Policemen who were at Isinkan area, is to maintain law and order as well as prevent a breakdown of peace.