The Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi, has ordered the closure of all markets, shops, and stalls in Akure on Friday in observance of the annual Amole Festival.

The directive was contained in a statement issued on Thursday by the monarch’s Chief Press Secretary, Michael Adeyeye, who explained that the closure formed part of the traditional rites required for the celebration.

“The closure becomes obligatory as part of the necessary rites in observing the age-long tradition of the Amole Festival. There will be no opening of markets, shops, stalls, or trading under any guise during the festival,” the statement read.

Adeyeye urged residents, traders, and shop owners to comply fully with the directive to ensure strict observance of the cultural heritage.

He, however, clarified that pharmaceutical shops and patent medicine stores were exempted from the closure.

While stressing that no trading activities would be allowed, he added that there would be no restriction on human and vehicular movement throughout the festival period.