Residents of Akure, Ondo State, have disregarded the state government’s instructions, putting their shops under locks and keys to celebrate Aheregbe festival.
Meanwhile, the people obeyed directives by the Deji of Akure, Oba Ogunlade Aladetoyinbo, that markets be closed in celebration of the festival.
The Aheregbe festival is a traditional occasion observed by the people of the town. During the celebration, the Deji of Akure prayed for the peace and progress of the land.
In the build-up to the Aheregbe festival, the paramount ruler directed the Akure populace to shut down all markets in the ancient town.
The state government, however, countered the directive via a press release by the Commissioner for Information, Mrs. Bamidele Ademola-Olateju.
The government clarified that it didn’t sanction the closure of markets and shops and, therefore, asked shop owners to go about their business activities.
Despite the clarification, the residents of Akure complied the Deji’s order, closing their shops and stores.
The conflicting directives between the state and the traditional institution has led to a series of insinuations within the town.
