The Deji of Akureland, Oba Aladetoyinbo Adedelusi, ordered that markets and stores stay closed in Akure, the capital of the Ondo state, in observance of the Aheregbe festival.
This was in contravention of the state government’s counter-directive to the one issued by Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi, the Deji of Akureland.
After his Chief Press Secretary, Micheal Adeyeye, issued a statement in Akure ordering all stores and marketplaces in the state capital of Akure to open for business, the Ondo state government overturned the monarch on Thursday.
However, all of the state’s capital’s marketplaces and stores were shuttered, with the exception of the lsinkan community, which asserted that it was independent of the Deji of Akureland and did not adhere to the Aheregbe Festival.
The traders said that Deji’s order didn’t apply to them since they don’t observe the Aheregbe festival in the Isinkan Kingdom, and business was booming in the region.
According to Oba Aladelusi, “the markets’ closure became required as a condition in respecting the long-standing custom of the yearly Aheregbe Festival.
It is crucial to stress that no trading or store openings under any pretence shall occur during the event.
“We sincerely request that residents, market vendors, and store owners follow this order.
“However, only pharmacies and retailers that provide prescription medications are free from having to close their doors during the event.
The festival won’t in any manner limit traffic or movement of people or vehicles.
However, the state government quickly responded, stating that it had already decided against such market closures in any portion of the state, through the commissioner of information and orientation, Mrs. Bamidele Ademola-Olateju.
In a statement, Ademola-Olateju stated, “On August 24, 2022, the Executive Council took the resolution that no market closures would be allowed in any area of the state without the governor’s consent.
“The remark attributed to Mr. Michael Adeyeye, His Majesty’s Press Secretary and the Deji of Akure, clearly violates an existing Government order and restricts the ability of Akure inhabitants to pursue their livelihood.
“We also want that the friendly connection between the respected stool of the Deji and the government not be pushed into a direct conflict.
“In order to protect their liberties, Akure citizens are asked to do their regular business on Friday and beyond. Before, during, or after the Aheregbe festival, no market or store may be shut down by anybody using pressure or fear of force.
“The government will be furious with anyone who disobeys this order.
“The government of Ondo State asks that; everyone should be law-abiding and move around freely in the pursuit of happiness,” the commissioner stated.
