By Adegbaju Temitope 

Markets, stalls and shops across Akure, the Ondo State capital, will be closed on Monday, August 17, and Tuesday, September 1, 2026, as part of activities marking the annual Aheregbe and Amole festivals.

The directive was issued by the Palace of the Deji and Paramount Ruler of Akure Kingdom in a statement signed by the monarch’s Chief Press Secretary, Adeyeye Michael, on Friday.

According to the Palace, the temporary closure is an integral part of the observance of the age-long traditional festivals, which remain significant events in the cultural calendar of Akure.

The Palace stressed that there would be no trading activities or opening of shops, stalls and markets under any guise on the two designated days.

It therefore urged residents, market women, traders and shop owners across the metropolis to take note of the directive and ensure full compliance in respect of the traditional observance.

The Palace, however, clarified that registered pharmacy stores would be permitted to open during the festival days to enable residents to have access to essential pharmaceutical services.

It specifically stated that the exemption applies only to registered pharmacies and does not extend to patent medicine stores.

Unlike the restriction on commercial activities, the Palace said there would be no restriction on the movement of people or vehicles during the two days.

Residents and visitors will therefore be free to move around the city, even though commercial activities are expected to remain suspended in observance of the festivals.

The Aheregbe and Amole festivals are among the traditional observances through which the people of Akure preserve and celebrate aspects of their cultural heritage under the traditional institution headed by the Deji of Akure.

The Palace called on residents and business owners to respect the directive, stressing the importance of collective adherence to the traditional requirements associated with the festivals.