Akure community is today celebrating the annual Aheregbe festival with the popular Erekesan, Cash-hold, and Adedeji markets shut…..CONTINUE READING
Aheregbe, also known as Dududu is a traditional festival commemorated mainly by the Paramount Ruler, the Deji and his chiefs, during which prayers are offered for the peace and progress of the ancient town.
Shops and markets are shut during the celebration while young men popularly called “palace Servants” and other well-wishers will dance around the town
To mark this year’s Aheregbe festival, the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladelusi Aladetoyinbo had ordered the closure of all markets in the ancient town but this was swiftly countered by the state government, insisting that such a directive did not get its approval, hence all markets must open for business.
This, no doubt, threw traders in markets across the capital city into a dilemma.
A visit to Erekesan, Cash- hold and Adedeji markets in Akure today showed total compliance with the Deji’s order as the three markets were totally deserted by both residents.
There was a partial opening at the NEPA neighbourhood market.
It was, however, a beehive of activities at Isinkan and Isolo markets as buying and selling were going on in full swing.
Some security personnel, especially the Amotekun Corps, were seen patrolling the city to prevent looting spree and any form of hooliganism as witnessed during the past Aheregbe festival.
Meanwhile, some traders have called for a synergy between the Deji’s palace and the Ondo State Government on the issue of market closure for the annual festival.
The traders including Mr David Bonte and Miss Funke Akintola suggested that both parties should always reach a compromise before the date and procedure are announced for the Aheregbe festival to avoid any confusion…..CONTINUE READING