Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The ancient city of Akure, the capital of Ondo State, is set to experience a rare and deliberate stillness on two separate days this month and next, as the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi, has ordered the closure of all markets, shops and stalls across the city to mark the annual Aheregbe and Amole festivals. The directive, which takes effect on Monday, August 17, and Tuesday, September 1, 2026, is a solemn requirement rooted in centuries-old tradition, rather than a punitive measure against traders and business owners.
The announcement was made on Friday, August 14, through a statement issued by the monarch's Chief Press Secretary, Adeyeye Michael, according to multiple reports from Punch, Newswatch, P.M. News, and other Nigerian news outlets. The palace emphasised that the closure is "an integral part of the requirements to observe the age-long tradition of the annual Aheregbe and Amole festivals," and warned that there shall be "no trading or opening of shops under any guise on these revered days."
The Aheregbe and Amole festivals are significant cultural events in the Akure calendar, celebrated annually to uphold the town's traditions and heritage. The festivals are deeply respected by the people of Akure, and the closure of commercial activities is seen as a mark of reverence for the customs that have defined the identity of the ancient kingdom for generations. The palace urged residents, market women and shop owners to take note of the directive and comply fully, stressing that the observance of these traditions is a collective responsibility.
While the market shutdown is comprehensive, the palace has made one notable exception: only registered pharmacy stores will be allowed to open during the festivals. This exemption does not extend to patent medicine stores, which, like all other businesses, are required to remain closed. The decision to allow registered pharmacies to operate reflects a practical consideration for the health needs of residents during the festival period.
Despite the closure of markets and shops, the palace assured residents that there would be no restriction on human or vehicular movement during the festivals. Residents will be free to move around the city, and vehicles will continue to operate as usual. This assurance is intended to allay any fears that the festival observance might disrupt daily life beyond the commercial sphere.
The directive has been met with a mix of respect and compliance from traders and residents, many of whom recognise the importance of preserving the cultural heritage of Akure. For the market women and shop owners who depend on daily sales for their livelihoods, the two-day closure represents a sacrifice, but one that is made in the spirit of upholding the traditions that bind the community together.
The Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi, has consistently championed the preservation of Akure's cultural heritage, and the directive to close markets for the Aheregbe and Amole festivals is a testament to his commitment to ensuring that the city's traditions are passed down to future generations. The palace's firm stance on compliance underscores the seriousness with which the festivals are observed, and traders have been warned against attempting to operate on the designated days.
As Akure prepares for the first of the two festival days on Monday, August 17, the city's streets will be quieter than usual, its markets empty, and its shops shuttered. But in the silence, the echoes of tradition will resound, a reminder that in a rapidly changing world, some things remain sacred. The Deji of Akure has made it clear: the festivals are not just celebrations; they are the heartbeat of the city's identity, and for two days, that heartbeat will be honoured above all else.
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