By: Ade Adeleke
CLOSURE OF MARKETS AND SHOPS IN OBSERVANCE OF ANNUAL AHEREGBE & AMOLE FESTIVALS
The Palace of the Deji & Paramount Ruler of Akure Kingdom notified the residents of Akure and its environ that all Markets and Shops in Akure would be shut on Tuesday 27th August, 2024
The closure was an integral part of the requirement in observing the age long tradition of the annual Aheregbe Festival.
Also, the Palace of the Deji of Akure ordered residents of Akure and its environ that in line with the tradition and culture of the Akureland, all Markets, shops and stalls in Akure would be closed on Wednesday 11th September, 2024, to observe the age long tradition of the annual Amole Festival.
The Monarch in press statements signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Adeyeye Michael, indicate that there shall be no opening of markets, trading or opening of shops under any guise during the festival, but granted exceptions.
“However, in view of the importance attached to the health sector, ONLY pharmacy shops are exempted from closure during the festival
“Notwithstanding, the festival will not in any way restrict both human and vehicular movement.
“Without mincing words and for the sake of emphasis, we wish to inform residents that no shop, market, stalls, community or quarter within the Akure metropolis will be exempted under any guise from observing this festival.
“Consequently, we urge all Traditional Rulers and Quarter Chiefs to ensure strict compliance of the observance of this festival within their respective domain.
“The Palace wishes to appreciate the State Government and the entire Security agencies for their understanding and cooperation in ensuring the preservation of our revered culture and tradition,” the Monarch said.
WHY DOES DEJI OF AKURE ORDER CLOSURE OF MARKETS, SHOPS DURING MAJOR FESTIVALS LIKE AMOLE ?
The Foremost monarch through one of his Chiefs, the Sele of Akureland, Chief Taiwo Fagite spoke with SUNSHINETRUTH News, and explained why closure of markets and shops is mandatory in Akure during the two major festivals (Aheregbe and Amole).
“Shops and markets are closed in Akure because of Amole (and Aheregbe) festivals. It is an age long festival that dated back to Akure history and during the Amole festival, markets and shops are expected to be closed.
“The reason for the festival is because, in the olden days, there was used to be a disease called “Sapona” that struck Akure kingdom and was killing people, almost ruined the whole of Akure then and traditionalists were consulted and Ifa (oracle) was consulted and they gave a directive that the blacksmiths in the town should appease the gods and that Amole festival should be done every year, where markets and shops are closed and prayers are offered to the gods for the averment of diseases in Akure.
“Because, during the period we are taking about, people were dying at will because the sopana disease was ravaging the town and it is equally and opportunity for people to take a rest and today, in the palace, we observe the Amole festival by not cooking and there should be no form of smoke coming out in the palace.
“The Amole traditional festival, equally is a time where we go to Aule for a traditional festival in the palace, equally, we offer prayers for peace, development and tranquility in Akure kingdom,” the monarch explained.
With the above explanation from the Palace, residents and people now know the importance of the festivals that requires today’s markets closure.
