Akure Orders Closure of Markets as Festival Holds

The Palace of His Majesty, the Deji and Paramount Ruler of Akure Kingdom, has directed the closure of all markets, stalls and shops across Akure and its environs on Monday, August 17, 2026, and Tuesday, September 1, 2026. The directive, according to the Palace, is part of the longstanding traditional requirements for the observance of the annual Aheregbe and Amole Festivals, two significant cultural festivals in Akure Kingdom. In a statement signed by the Media Officer to the Deji, Michael Adeyeye, the Palace emphasised that there shall be no trading activities or opening of shops under any guise on the two designated days. The Palace therefore urged residents, market women, traders and shop owners to take note of the directive and ensure full compliance, stressing that the closure remains an integral aspect of the traditional observance. However, the Palace clarified that only duly registered pharmacy stores would be permitted to operate during the festival. It specifically stated that the exemption does not extend to patent medicine stores. The Palace further explained that the festival-related closure would not impose any restriction on human or vehicular movement, meaning residents and visitors would be free to move around Akure during the two days. The annual Aheregbe and Amole festivals remain important traditional observances through which the cultural heritage and longstanding customs of the Akure people are preserved and promoted. The Palace appealed to residents and business owners to respect the directive and cooperate with the traditional institution to ensure a peaceful and successful celebration.