Commercial activites in Akure, the Ondo state capital was on Wednesday shut following the celebration of the town’s traditional 'Amole' festival.
Shops and malls were closed as anyone who open shops for transaction would forfeit his or goods.
The popular Oja Oba market in the heart of the town which often records heavy human and vehicular movements wore the semblance of a graveyard in compliance with the demands of the tradition.
Explaining the significance of the festival, the Asamo of Akure land, High Chief Rotimi Fasaye-Olusoya said the festival has its origin from Oba-Ile a town close to Akure in the 17th adding that it is notably celebrated by goldsmiths and notable High Chiefs.
He said the tradition was to pray for the peace and progress of Akure kingdom explain that the closing of shops was to respect the tradition.
A visit to Isolo quarters showed that heads of goldsmith in the area converged on an ‘ogun shrine’ (god of iron) celebrating the festival.
According to their leader, Mr Idowu Jekiti, the festival is observed for the progress of the land.
Prayers were offered in the traditional way for the Deji and paramount ruler of Akure kingdom, Oba Ogunlade Aladetoyinbo, people and for the continued peace of the town.
However, some traders interviewed admitted that the festival affected their businesses but maintained that tradition must be respected.
