Deji of Akure orders shutdown of markets, shops
As part of traditional rites to commemorate the ancient annual “Amole” festival, business and commercial activities in Akure, the Ondo State capital have been shut down.
The order on the closure of markets and shops in the town was given by the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladelusi Ogunlade.
A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the monarch, Michael Adeyeye, said the closure of the markets was in line with the activities to mark the age-long tradition in observing the annual Aheregbe and Amole Festivals.
The statement, which enjoined all residents, market women and shop owners to comply with the directive, revealed that the festival will not in any way restrict both human and vehicular movement.
The “Amole” festival is being commemorated less than a month after a similar festival called “Aeregbe” was celebrated where shops and markets were also closed for businesses.
Meanwhile, the traditional spokesperson of the community and Asamo of Akure, Chief Rotimi Olusanya, emphasized that the two festivals among others were necessary for peace to reign in the land.
He said the closure of the markets and shops was to allow the traditionalists to pray for peace in the land, maintaining that two out of 365 days in a year were not too much to sacrifice for the peace of the town.
