The Ondo State Government has stepped in to overturn the directive issued by the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi, to close markets in observance of the upcoming Aheregbe Festival.
The government has deemed the order as a violation of residents’ fundamental human rights and an overreach by the monarch.
Oba Aladelusi, through his media aide, had originally mandated the closure of markets as part of the preparations for the annual Aheregbe Festival, scheduled for Friday.
However, the government expressed concern over this decision, arguing that it infringed on the freedom of the community’s inhabitants.
In a statement released by the state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mrs Bamidele Ademola-Olateju, the government announced the reversal of the market closure order.
The decision had been reached during the state Executive Council meeting, and it emphasized that such market closures could only be implemented with the approval of the acting governor.
The statement further clarified that even if approval had been sought, the closure would have been limited to Oba’s Market in Akure.
The government urged the Deji of Akure to respect this decision and avoid actions that could inconvenience or negatively impact the residents’ economic activities.
Residents were assured that they should carry on with their normal routines, asserting their freedoms without market closures by force or coercion.
The government firmly stated that any disregard for this directive would not be tolerated.
The Deji’s original statement had called for the closure of markets and shops during the Aheregbe Festival, citing it as a tradition requirement.
However, the government’s intervention has resulted in a reversal of this order, allowing residents the freedom to go about their daily lives without disruption.
As the Aheregbe Festival approaches, the community will be able to engage in their activities without restrictions, thanks to the swift action taken by the Ondo State Government.
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