BY ABIODUN AKINLUWA
Markets and shops were on Monday shut down in Akure, Ondo state capital in commemoration of this year’s aheregbe festival.
The affected markets included those in Erekesan, Nepa, isolo, Araromi while supermarkets and shops on popular streets in the town were completely shut down.
Shops within streets were not left out as business owners complied with the deji’s directive.
The situation led to free flow of traffic on the popular Adesida, Arakale and Nepa roads as no buying and selling took place around the areas which were always a beehive of activities.
Speaking on the essence of the festival, the Asamo of Akure land , High Chief Rotimi Olusanya explained that aheregbe festival was basically to pray for peace and tranquility in the ancient town.
The popular isinkan market however opened partially for trading as attested to by some market women who spoke with radio nigeria.
Speaking on the situation, the iralepo of isinkan, Oba Olugbenga Olofin-Adimula insisted that his community was not part of aheregbe festival and as such, the closure order could not be respected.
Oba olofin-adimula who later ordered traders in isinkan market to stop business activities in compliance with a government’s directive which urged that the market be shut for the sake of peace and security.
There was presence of policemen around the palace of iralepo and arakale area to ensure that there was no breakdown of law and order while the celebration lasted.