The Paramount Ruler of Akure Kingdom in Ondo State, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade, has ordered the closure of major markets across Akure as part of activities marking the 2026 Aheregbe and Amole festivals.

The spokesman to the monarch, Adeyeye Michael, disclosed this while speaking with newsmen on Saturday, urging residents of Akure and its environs to comply with the directive.

According to him, the temporary closure affects markets, stalls and shops across the city on Monday, August 17, 2026, and Tuesday, September 1, 2026, in line with the age-long cultural traditions associated with the annual festivals.

“The Palace of the Deji and Paramount Ruler of Akure, Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade, announced that all markets, stalls and shops across the city will remain closed on Monday, August 17, 2026, and Tuesday, September 1, 2026, in line with the age-long cultural traditions associated with the annual festivals.

“No trading or business activities will be permitted on the designated days, as compliance forms a key aspect of the observance of the revered festivals,” he said.

The palace, however, clarified that only registered pharmacy stores would be allowed to operate during the period, stressing that the exemption does not extend to patent medicine stores.

It also stated that there would be no restriction on human or vehicular movement within the city during the festival days.

The palace urged residents, market women, and shop owners to take note of the directive and comply fully in respect of Akure’s cultural heritage and traditions.

A visit by Daily Trust to major markets in the city showed that traders complied with the order as shops and stalls remained shut.

Palace aides were also seen moving around market premises to ensure compliance and prosecute defaulters.

Markets affected by the closure include Oja Oba, Isolo Market, Oshodi and Arakale Market.

Reacting to the development, some commercial transport operators who spoke with Daily Trust lamented the impact of the market shutdown on their daily earnings.

A commercial tricycle operator, Adedokun Ayomide, said he had not been able to make up to ₦3,000 for the day.

“This market shut down would really affect me today. On a normal day, as at now, I should have made up to ₦10,000 because I transport mostly the market traders, but I haven’t even made up to ₦3,000.”

Another commercial motorist, Bamigbola Isaac, said he planned to close work earlier than usual to avoid wasting fuel.

According to him, “If you observe now, you would see how empty everywhere is. We have only a few passengers. Nobody would come to buy or sell in Akure Market today. For me not to waste my fuel and energy, I would close early.” (Daily Trust)