AMOLE FESTIVAL: Peace returns to Ondo towns, as Deji of Akure declares closure of markets only in own domain
By KEMI KASUMU
“The closure becomes necessary as part of the requirement to observe the age long tradition of the annual Amole Festival. 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.”
The latest information reaching us says lasting peace may have begun to have its way back to the adjoining autonomous communities of Akure, Isinkan and Isolo in Akure South Local Government Area of Ondo State, South West Nigeria as, for another festival requiring closure of markets, the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, Odundun II’s order for such enforcement stipulates that selected markets only within the Deji’s domain are affected.
The latest development, where the Deji’s order does not any longer extend to other towns with reigning Obas, has 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.
On Tuesday, the Deji’s Palace, in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Michael Adeyeye, and copy of which was obtained by The DEFENDER, announced a notification for another round of market closure for the celebration of Amole festival but, this time, enforcement of the order will happen only in some selected markets in Akure without extending to other township communities.
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 Ajava Panel and its elevation of 100 traditional rulers and approval of 60 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 has specifically complied with the new as it will no longer touch those two township communities.
According to the royal statement, “The Palace wishes to notify the residents of Akure and its environ that in line with tradition and culture of the land, some selected Markets in Akure will be closed on Wednesday 7th September, 2022.
“The closure becomes necessary as part of the requirement to observe the age long tradition of the annual Amole Festival.
“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.
“However, the festival will not in any way restrict both human and vehicular movement.
“Akure a gbe a oo,” the Deji’s palace said in the Adeyeye’s statement dated 6th September, 2022.
