By Adekola Afolabi

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No market will be closed in Akure the Ondo State capital today, the state government ruled yesterday.

This directive brings to finality the earlier directive by the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi directing that markets in the town be closed in order to celebrate the annual Aheregbe festival.

This directive was contained in a statement signed by the Ondo State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mrs Bamidele Ademola-Olateju.

She observed that the closure of the market as credited to the Deji’s Press Secretary, Michael Adeyeye, constitutes a clear violation an existing order of the government, and an abridgement of the right of Akure residents to the pursuance of their livelihood.

Olateju noted that if an approval was sought, such closure would have been limited to Oba’s market in Akure.

The Commissioner urged “our respected royal father, his Majesty, The Deji of Akure to respect the government decision and refrain from any action that can inconvenience and , or inflict economic pain to Akure inhabitants.

She also requested that the cordial relationship between the revered stool of the Deji not to be drawn into open confrontation with the government.

She urged residents to go about their normal business today and beyond, in pursuance of their freedom.

“No market or shop shall be closed by anyone either by coercion or threat of force before, during and after Aheregbe festival.

Whoever flies in the face of this directive will draw the ire of the government.

Olateju pleaded that everyone should be law abiding and move about freely in the pursuit of their happiness.

The  Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi had yesterday ordered the closure of all markets in Akure and its environ to celebrate to annual Aheregbe festival

The closure was contained in the letter signed by the Chief Press Secretary to Deji, Michael Adeyeye

The letter said there shall be no trading or opening of shops under any guise during the festival except pharmacy and patient medicine stores.