There was heavy presence of security men in Akure, the Ondo State capital and its neighbouring Isikan community on Monday to forestall possible breakdown of law and order in both communities over a traditional festival.
The Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi, had ordered the closure of markets and shops in Akure and its environs including Isikan (which according to him, is part of Akure) in order to observe the annual Aheregbe festival.
The Iralepo of Isikan, Oba Olugbenga Ojo, in a statement issued on Sunday, had warned Akure youths not to enforce the closure of markets and shops in his domain.
Oba Ojo, however, said on Monday the state government had intervened in the situation and asked him to close markets and shops in order to avoid a crisis.
He said, “Aheregbe is a festival for the people of Akure and Oba Ile community alone and not Isikan Community. Isikan is a distinct community from Akure. We have our own festivals different from Akure. Our culture is different from that of Akure. Our forefathers are different. Our beliefs are different from that of Akure. In those days, markets were closed down in the Akure community alone and not in Isikan.
“We are never part of Akure. The governor, through the deputy governor, told us to allow peace to reign, and allow markets and shops to close. The shops are closing, not for Aheregbe but for security reasons. I have told the Iyaloja of Isikan Market.
“They are doing what is forbidden and the repercussions are on them. It will follow them to the 7th generation.
This is the last time we will close our markets and shops, It will not happen again. Our boys are outside but we do not want bloodshed. Isikan is never part of Akure. They met me here. I am the aboriginal owner of the land.”
It was gathered that the presence of security personnel in major streets of Akure was to prevent a possible clash between youth and residents of the two communities.
It was also observed that two police patrol vans were stationed in front of the Island Palace.
