The Deji of the Akure kingdom, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, has ordered a day’s closure of all markets and shops in Akure, the state capital for the celebration of Aheregbe Festival.
Oba Aladetoyinbo said the closure of markets, and shops, on Friday, becomes necessary as part of the age-long tradition in observance of the annual Aheregbe Festival.
In a statement issued by his chief press secretary, Michael Adeyeye informed residents that no trading or opening of shops under any guise would be allowed during the festival.
The monarch urged market women and shop owners to kindly comply with this directive.
He, however, clarified that only pharmacy shops and patent medicine stores will be allowed to open during the festival.
According to him, “pharmacy shops and patent medicine stores are exempted from the closure of their shops during the festival. Moreover, the festival will not in any way restrict both human and vehicular movement.”