The Ondo State Government has disregarded the directive of the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, to close markets in the state capital for the community’s annual traditional “Aheregbe” festival.
According to the government, the closure of markets contradicts the decision of the State Executive Council and infringes upon the freedom and rights of the citizens.
The monarch, through his Chief Press Secretary, Michael Adeyeye, defended the closure of markets, citing the necessity to uphold the age-long tradition of the annual Aheregbe Festival.
In response, the government issued a statement through Commissioner for Information, Bamidele Ademola-Olateju, expressing disagreement with the Deji’s directive.
The statement emphasized the importance of respecting the decisions made by the State Executive Council, the governing body responsible for crucial decisions on behalf of the state.
The Commissioner further stressed that the closure of markets would hinder the daily activities and livelihoods of the citizens, as well as disrupt economic activities within Akure metropolis.
She added that the government is committed to ensuring that the freedom and rights of the people are not impeded, and residents are not unduly restricted in their business transactions under the guise of a traditional festival.
The government stated, “On August 24, 2022, one of the decisions made by the Executive Council was that there shall be no closure of markets in any part of the state without the approval of the Governor.”
“The statement credited to Mr. Michael Adeyeye, the Press Secretary of His Majesty, the Deji of Akure, constitutes a clear violation of an existing government order and encroaches on the rights of Akure residents to pursue their livelihood,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, the conflicting positions between the state government and the Deji of Akure have created confusion among residents.
