BREAKING: Akure monarch orders closure of markets, shops, allows pharmacies

By Boye Oyeyemi

The Deji of Akure, Oba Aladelusi Aladetoyinbo, has directed the closure of all markets, stalls and shops in Akure, Ondo State, on Monday, Aug. 17, and Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2026, as part of activities marking the annual Aheregbe and Amole festivals.

The directive was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the monarch’s Chief Press Secretary, Adeyeye Michael, which urged residents, traders and shop owners to comply with the traditional order.

According to the statement, no trading or opening of shops would be permitted under any guise on the designated days, as the closure forms part of the observance of the age-long festivals.

The palace said only registered pharmacies would be allowed to operate during the festival, stressing that patent medicine stores were excluded from the exemption.

It urged residents, market women and shop owners to take note of the directive and comply accordingly.

The palace, however, clarified that the festival would not restrict human or vehicular movement within the city on either of the two days.

Meanwhile, the monarch urged residents to respect the directive and support efforts to preserve Akure’s cultural heritage.