*Akeredolu, by this achievement, will be difficult to forget in good history of Ondo State – Respondent
By KEMI KASUMU
The Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN), has said that the closure of some selected markets in observance of the Amole Festival in Akure, the State capital, holding today Wednesday, September 7, 2022 is in total agreement with the government’s directive.
The Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Richard Olatunde, madevthis known in a statement he issued in Akure, dated September 6, 2022 and copy of which was obtained by The DEFENDER.
According to the statement, the Governor noted that the official statement from the palace of the Deji of Akure is in accordance with the recent directive by the State Government, which mandated that there shall be no closure of market in any part of the State for the purpose of festivals without the approval of the Governor.
Quoting some portions from the royal order contained in a statement signed by Michael Adeyeye on Tuesday, Governor Akeredolu said the official statement from the Deji’s Palace was clear as to markets affected by the closure.
The Deji said in the latest order that, “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.”
Consequently, the Governor has directed ALL security agencies in the state to ensure sufficient patrol to prevent hoodlum from disrupting lawful activities of the people.
Governor Akeredolu urged those in the affected markets to adhere strictly to the official statement from the Deji’s palace and respect the culture and tradition of the land.
He also enjoined other members of the public who are not affected to go about their normal businesses and activities without fear.
In reporting the Deji’s statement Tuesday, The DEFENDER’s report titled, “Peace returns to Ondo towns, as Deji of Akure orders markets closure in own domain”, had noted that the latest development, where the Deji’s order does not any longer extend to other towns with reigning Obas, had been described as one that will return the three ancient communities to their old mutual and peaceful togetherness that made it possible for them to help one another in defeating common enemies during the Bini war against the Akure of old.
The Deji’s Palace had announced a notification for another round of market closure for the celebration of Amole festival but that, this time, enforcement of the order would happen only in some selected markets in Akure without extending to other township communities.
According to The DEFENDER on Tuesday, the new royal order came barely two weeks after the Ondo State Government, which is vested with powers to decide things including the powers of traditional institution in the state, had said not only a king would no longer enforce his orders to encroach on the land ruled by another king but also that before such Oba issues such order as regards closure of markets – even within his own domain – he must get government’s approval.
The government’s decision, which coincided with implementation of Ajaba Panel and its elevation of 100 traditional rulers and approval of 60 new traditional stools across the states, followed the crisis that cropped up after enforcement of markets closure was done beyond Akure to Isinkan and Isolo towns with some pockets of violent but controlled situation recorded in Isolo.
In the new order heralding Amole Festival, the Deji, we reported yesterday, had specifically complied with the new directives as it will no longer touch those two township communities.
From our findings, Governor Akeredolu’s name will be difficult to be pushed back side of history in the core South West state by his bold steps leading to his ability to proffer, finally, a solution that is permanent to various traditional institution crisis in the state.
His directive that no markets shall be closed for festivals without government’s approval has also been seen from the lens of proper coordination.
“It will benefit even the traditional institution the more because it finally provide them the relevance that they have sought in the Constitution Review process at National Assembly.
“Just look at how the governor is able to confirm that he is aware of what the Deji wants to do and then directs the security agencies to provide full enforcement in support of the tradition and protection against intruders in adjoining communities not affected,” a source in Akure town told The DEFENDER.
