We close markets, shops for security reasons, not for festival, says Iralepo of Isinkan

The Iralepo of Isinkan in Akure South Local Government Area of Ondo State, Oba Oluwagbemiga Ajimokunola Olofin-Adimula, has debunked the rumour flying around that markets and shops in the area were closed because of the Aheregbe Festival.

The Trumpet gathered that business activities in Isinkan took place in the morning till around 11:00 am before it was closed. The Trumpet further observed that markets in Akure were shut down to celebrate the festival as directed by Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi, the Deji of Akure Kingdom.

Oba Ajimokunola Olofin-Adimula stated that the markets and shops that opened in the morning for businesses were closed for security purposes and maintenance of peace after an emergency meeting with the Ondo State Government.

Recall that the monarch, while reacting to a statement issued by the Deji’s Palace that markets and shops should be closed in observance of the annual Aheregbe Festival, said such directive does not affect traders in the Isinkan Kingdom, The Trumpet learnt.

“We had given the directive that shops at Isinkan markets be open today, for trading and buying but yesterday, the Ondo State Government called an emergency meeting and we narrated the whole issue to them.

“The government gave the directive that for security reasons, and not for the festival of Aheregbe, for security reasons and for peace to be maintained in the local government, that we should allow our people to stay home and that was why we asked market women to close and go home, not for the festival, on the advice of the state government.”

The monarch said the best way was to respect the culture and tradition of our forefathers, noting that Aheregbe was a solemn ceremony for the Akure and Oba-Ile.

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“Isinkan had never been a community in Akure. We are both in the same local government and Isinkan is a distinct town from Akure because we have our customs and traditions different from Akure. We are Isinkans and our Oba is called Iralepo. Our forefathers founded this place called Isinkan and we are never on Akure soil and we don’t have anything in common.

“We are neighbours and we give respect to the Deji of Akure as the first-class Oba in the local government. Iralepo is the Oba of Isinkan and he is the only one who can order the closure of Isikan markets on ceremonial days. So the only way to maintain peace forever is for us to adhere to the customs of our forefathers and not by rewriting history.”

The Trumpet gathered that security operatives in the state have enforced the closure of Isinkan markets and shops based on the order from the Ondo State Government to forestall a breach of peace.

Reacting, the Ondo State Police image maker, Mrs Funmi Odunlami, said the duty of the police was not to enforce market closure during traditional festivals. Odunlami stated that the duty of the policemen in the area was to maintain law and order as well as prevent the breakdown of peace.

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