Ondo state government has warned Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi, not to be drawn into open confrontation with it.
The Nation paper reported that, It said the order of the monarch closing markets and shops for the observance of the age long tradition of Aheregbe festival is a violation of law.
There would be no trading or store openings during the celebration, according to Oba Aladetoyinbo.
Even though he exempted pharmacies and patent medicine stores from having to close their doors during the event, he urged locals, market vendors, and store owners to follow the directive.
Bamdele Olateju, the commissioner for information and orientation in Ondo, however, said in a statement that the Executive Council had ordered that no markets in any part of the state should be closed without the governor’s consent.
Olateju claimed that the Akure monarch’s decision was a blatant defiance of a government directive and a restriction on the ability of Akure residents to pursue their livelihood.
According to her, “The public should note that even if an approval was sought, such closure would have been limited to Ọjà Ọba (Oba’s Market) in Akure.
We kindly request that His Majesty, the Deji of Akure, respect the government’s decision and desist from taking any actions that would cause the residents of Akure hardship or financial harm.
We also request that the friendly connection between the revered stool of the Deji and the government not be strained into a public dispute.
“In order to exercise their freedoms, Akure residents are asked to conduct their regular business on Friday and beyond. Before, during, or after the Aheregbe festival, no market or store may be shut down by anybody using pressure or fear of force.
Whoever disobeys this order shall incur the wrath of the authorities. The Ondo State administration requests that everyone follow the law and be free to pursue their pleasure.
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