BREAKING: Markets, Shops Shut In Akure (Photos)

Markets and shops have been shut in Akure, the Ondo State capital.

EKOHOTBLOG reports that business activities were paralysed in Akure, the Ondo State capital as markets and shops were shut on Saturday following the celebration of Aheregbe traditional festival in the community.

It would be recalled that the Deji of Akure Kingdom, Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi, had in a statement on Wednesday, August 18, 2021, ordered for the closure of various markets and shops in the state capital.

Oba Aladelusi, in a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Michael Adeyeye, stated that markets and shops in Akure will be shut on Thursday, August 19, 2021, and Saturday, September 4, 2021.

The monarch stated, “The Palace wish to notify the residents of Akure and its environ that all markets and shops in Akure will be shut on Thursday 19th August 2021 and Saturday 4th September 2021.”

Oba Aladelusi added that the closure of the markets and shops “becomes necessary as part of the requirement to observe the age-long tradition of the annual Aheregbe and Amole Festival”.

The traditional ruler further stated that “it is important to emphasize that there shall be no trading or opening of shops under any guise on these days. Residents, market women, and shop owners are kindly enjoined to comply with this directive.”

The monarch added that the festival would not in any way restrict both human and vehicular movement in the community.

While the traditional festival was earlier observed on Thursday, August 19, 2021, it was again observed by the residents of the state capital on Saturday, September 4, 2021, with the closure of markets and shops in the metropolis.

EKOHOTBLOG, however, gathered that according to the tradition, any trader who defies the order and opens a shop for business will have his or her goods confiscated alongside other sanctions.

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