The Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi says Amole festival will hold on Wednesday, 7th of September, 2022.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Michael Adeyeye, the Palace notified residents of Akure that “in line with tradition and culture of the land, some selected Markets in Akure will be closed on Wednesday 7th September, 2022.”
“The closure becomes necessary as part of the requirement to observe the age long tradition of the annual Amole Festival.
In view of this, ONLY the listed markets which includes; Oja Oba – Erekesan main Market, Odopetu, Umesi and Ijemikin markets shall be closed in observance of the Amole Festival
There shall be NO closure of other Markets within Akure and its environs while shops and stalls will be equally opened for business
However, the festival will not in any way restrict both human and vehicular movement.”
It would be recalled that Aheregbe festival being celebrated by Akure had raised tension in the state capital last two weeks.
A statement issued on Sunday 21st August, 2022 by the Deji of Akure, Oba Ogunlade Aladetoyinbo through Michael Adeyeye, his chief press secretary, informed residents of the state capital that “no trading or opening of shops under any guise” would be allowed on Monday 22nd of 2022 during the annual Aheregbe festival celebration.
Perhaps, sensing that the Deji might be targeting the extension of the festival to his domain, the Iralepo of Isinkan, Oba Oluwagbemiga Olofin-Adimula, quickly issued a message congratulating the Deji and inviting shoppers in Akure to patronize markets in Isinkan thereby firmly signifying that markets and shops would remain open in Isinkan.
The Deji however responded that his market closure order would be extended to Isinkan. This was vehemently opposed by the youths and the traders in Isinkan.
The Ondo State Government however on Wednesday 24th August 2022 released a directive placing a ban on the closure of markets across the entire state during festivals saying any Oba desirous of closing a market would have to secure a formal clearance from the state governor and he would only be able to close his own Oba’s market.