There was heavy security in Akure, the Ondo State capital and neighbouring Isikan community yesterday, as tension rises over closure of markets in observance of the celebration of the annual Aheregbe festival.
The presence of security personnel in major streets of Akure was to prevent a possible clash between youths of Akure and Isikan community.
Two police vans were placed in front of the palace of the traditional ruler of Isikan, Oba Oluwagbemiga Ajimokunola Olofin-Adimula, Arulewolasi III, the Iralepo of Isikan.
What caused the tension was insistence of youths of Isikan that shops and markets be opened in deference to the order by the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, Odundun II.
The Deji of Akure had, in a statement, said markets and shops at Isikan must not be opened for business on Monday, as according to him, Isikan remained part of Akure.
He said only pharmaceutical shops would be allowed to open.
But the Iralepo of Isikan, in a statement on Sunday, warned youths of Akure extraction not to enforce closure of markets and shops in his domain.
Speaking to reporters in his palace yesterday, the Iralepo of Isikan said the state government had intervened in the situation and asked him to close markets and shops for peace to reign.
According to him, “Aheregbe is a festival for the people of Akure and Oba Ile alone and not Isikan. Isikan is a distinct community from Akure. We have our festivals different from Akure. Our culture is different from that of Akure. Our forefathers are different. Our beliefs are different from Akure. In those days, markets were closed down in Akure community alone and not in Isikan.
loja of Isikan Market.
“They are doing what is forbidden and the repercussions are on them. It will follow them to the 7th generation.”
The youth leader of Isikan, Mr. Samuel Michael, said they were on parade at the Isikan market to prevent youths from Akure to enforce closure.
The Iyaloja of Isikan, Chief Bolarinwa Victoria, said the Akure boys knew the traditional implication of storming the market.