In celebration of culture and heritage, the Palace of the Deji and Paramount Ruler of Akure Kingdom has directed the closure of all markets, stalls and shops across Akure as part of preparations for the 2026 Aheregbe and Amole Festivals.
The directive, contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Chief Press Secretary to the Deji of Akure, Adeyeye Michael, affects Monday, August 17, 2026, and Tuesday, September 1, 2026.
The Palace said the temporary closure is a longstanding cultural requirement associated with the annual observance of the two traditional festivals, urging traders, business owners and residents to respect the directive.
According to the statement, all forms of trading and the opening of shops will be prohibited on the designated days, irrespective of the circumstances.
“The closure is indeed an integral part of the requirements to observe the age-long tradition of the annual Aheregbe and Amole Festival,” the Palace stated.
The Palace, however, granted a limited exemption for registered pharmacy stores, which may remain open to provide essential pharmaceutical services. It stressed that the exemption does not apply to patent medicine stores.
In a clarification likely to ease concerns among residents and visitors, the Palace said the festival-related closure would not impose restrictions on human or vehicular movement within Akure.
Residents will therefore be free to move around the city despite the closure of commercial outlets.
The traditional institution urged market associations, traders, shop owners and residents to make adequate arrangements ahead of the designated dates and ensure full compliance with the directive.
The Palace described adherence to the closure as part of the collective responsibility of residents to preserve Akure’s cultural heritage and ensure the peaceful observance of the annual festivals.
The statement was signed by Adeyeye Michael, Chief Press Secretary to the Deji of Akure, and dated August 14, 2026. Akure a gbe a oo.
