Security guards ease tension in Akure community over Aheregbe festival
Heavy-duty security guards were deployed at strategic locations in Akure, the capital of Ondo state, on Monday following tensions over the closure of major markets in the ancient city to mark the celebration of the annual Aheregbe festival
Development has become necessary to ease tensions and prevent a possible clash between the youth of Akure and the Isikan community over the order to open the markets of the Isikan community.
Tribune Online noticed two police vans parked outside the palace of the traditional ruler of Isikan, Oba Oluwagbemiga Ajimokunola Olofin-Adimula, Arulewolasi III, the Iralepo of Isikan.
There was tension over the insistence of Isikan youths that shops and markets be opened out of respect for the order of the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, Odundun II.
Akure's Deji had in a statement on Monday ordered the closure of markets and shops in and around Akure, saying Isikan was still part of Akure.
But the Iralepo of Isikan, in a statement issued on Sunday, warned young people of Akure origin not to impose the closure of markets and shops in its area.
Speaking to reporters in his palace on Monday morning, Isikan's Iralepo said the state government had intervened in the situation and asked him to close markets and shops for peace reign.
According to him, "Aheregbe is a festival for the people of Akure and Oba Ile only and not Isikan.
"Isikan is a separate community from Akure. We have our different festivals from Akure. Our culture is different from Akure.
"Our ancestors are different. Our beliefs are different from Akure. At this time, the markets are closed in the Akure community only and not in Isikan.
"We are never part of Akure. The Governor, through the Deputy Governor, told us to let peace reign and allow markets and shops to close.
"Shops are not closing for Aheregbe but for security reasons. I told the Iyaloja of Isikan Market.
"They do what is forbidden and the repercussions are upon them. It will follow them to the 7th generation.
“This is the last time we will close our markets and shops, it won't happen again. Our boys are out but we don't want any blood. Isikan is never part of Akure. met here. I am the Aboriginal owner of the land."
At the Isikan market, youths and some leaders were seen urging traders to open to display their wares and open their shops.
Isikan Youth Leader Mr. Samuel Michael said they were marching in Isikan Market to stop Akure youth from enforcing the lockdown.
"They are celebrating Aheregbe in Akure but Isikan is in his domain. We are marching to make sure the boys from Akure don't enter Isikan. We want to make sure traders open their shops to avoid any trouble. C This is a traditional market. This is not Akure's market. This market will be open."
The Iyaloja of Isikan, Chief Bolarinwa Victoria, said the Akure boys knew the traditional implication of storming the market.
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Heavy-duty security guards were deployed at strategic locations in Akure, the capital of Ondo state, on Monday following tensions over the closure of major markets in the ancient city to mark the celebration of the annual Aheregbe festival
Development has become necessary to ease tensions and prevent a possible clash between the youth of Akure and the Isikan community over the order to open the markets of the Isikan community.
Tribune Online noticed two police vans parked outside the palace of the traditional ruler of Isikan, Oba Oluwagbemiga Ajimokunola Olofin-Adimula, Arulewolasi III, the Iralepo of Isikan.
There was tension over the insistence of Isikan youths that shops and markets be opened out of respect for the order of the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, Odundun II.
Akure's Deji had in a statement on Monday ordered the closure of markets and shops in and around Akure, saying Isikan was still part of Akure.
But the Iralepo of Isikan, in a statement issued on Sunday, warned young people of Akure origin not to impose the closure of markets and shops in its area.
Speaking to reporters in his palace on Monday morning, Isikan's Iralepo said the state government had intervened in the situation and asked him to close markets and shops for peace reign.
According to him, "Aheregbe is a festival for the people of Akure and Oba Ile only and not Isikan.
"Isikan is a separate community from Akure. We have our different festivals from Akure. Our culture is different from Akure.
"Our ancestors are different. Our beliefs are different from Akure. At this time, the markets are closed in the Akure community only and not in Isikan.
"We are never part of Akure. The Governor, through the Deputy Governor, told us to let peace reign and allow markets and shops to close.
"Shops are not closing for Aheregbe but for security reasons. I told the Iyaloja of Isikan Market.
"They do what is forbidden and the repercussions are upon them. It will follow them to the 7th generation.
“This is the last time we will close our markets and shops, it won't happen again. Our boys are out but we don't want any blood. Isikan is never part of Akure. met here. I am the Aboriginal owner of the land."
At the Isikan market, youths and some leaders were seen urging traders to open to display their wares and open their shops.
Isikan Youth Leader Mr. Samuel Michael said they were marching in Isikan Market to stop Akure youth from enforcing the lockdown.
"They are celebrating Aheregbe in Akure but Isikan is in his domain. We are marching to make sure the boys from Akure don't enter Isikan. We want to make sure traders open their shops to avoid any trouble. C This is a traditional market. This is not Akure's market. This market will be open."
The Iyaloja of Isikan, Chief Bolarinwa Victoria, said the Akure boys knew the traditional implication of storming the market.
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