The Palace of the Deji and Paramount Ruler of Akure Kingdom has directed that all markets, stalls, and shops in the city be closed on Thursday, August 14, 2025 (today), in honour of this year’s Aheregbe Festival.
In a statement signed by Adeyeye Michael, Chief Press Secretary to the Deji of Akure, the palace said the closure is a long-standing tradition observed annually to mark the festival, which holds deep cultural significance for the kingdom.
The directive prohibits any form of commercial activity throughout the day, with residents, traders, and shop owners urged to comply fully in order to ensure the smooth celebration of the event.
However, the statement clarified that pharmacies and patent medicine stores are exempt from the order due to the essential nature of healthcare services.
The palace also assured that the festival would not disrupt human or vehicular movement, noting that activities outside the affected commercial spaces would proceed as normal.
Describing the Aheregbe Festival as one of Akure’s most prominent traditional events, attracting participants from within and beyond the city, the palace called on the public to respect the kingdom’s cultural heritage and support the successful hosting of the celebration.
