The Ondo State Government has warned the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi not to allow open confrontation between his revered stool and the government.
Bamidele Ademola-Olateju, the State Commissioner for Information and Orientation stated this on Thursday in response to the order by the monarch that shops and markets across the city be shut to celebrate the annual Aheregbe festival.
The festival holds on Friday, August 25, 2023.
The government in the statement signed by the commissioner called the attention of the Deji to an August 24, 2022, decisions made by the Executive Council that; there shall be no closure of markets in any part of the state without the approval of the Governor.
“The statement credited to Mr. Michael Adeyeye, the Press Secretary of His Majesty, the Deji of Akure constitutes a clear violation of an existing order of the Government, and an abridgement of the right of Akure residents to the pursuance of their livelihood.
“The public should note that even if an approval was sought, such closure would have been limited to Ọjà Ọba (Oba’s Market) in Akure. We urge our respected Royal father, His Majesty, the Deji of Akure to respect the government decision and refrain from any action that can inconvenience, and, or inflict economic pain to Akure inhabitants.
“Akure resident are urged to go about their normal business on Friday and beyond, in pursuance of their freedoms. No market or shop shall be closed by anyone either by coercion or threat of force before, during or after Aheregbe festival.
“Whoever flies in the face of this directive will draw the ire of the government. The government of Ondo State ask that; everyone should be law abiding and move about freely in the pursuit of happiness,” the statement read.
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