Commercial
and business activities were this morning shut down in Akure, the capital city
of Ondo state.
The Akure
Kingdom is reportedly celebrating the Igogo festival. Earlier in the previous
day, messages in the social media and SMS have been circulated in the town
preparatory to this morning lockdown.
It read,
"Be informed that Arakale and Oba Adesida Oda Roads shall be closed
tomorrow Thursday 19th October between 6:00AM to 12 noon because of a notable
Masquerade ('Igogo') that will be paraded. Considering the nature of the said
Masquerade, everyone is expected to stay at home as the period lasts. Thanks
for your understanding. Pls inform others".
At about
9:00 AM today, a mammoth crowd led by several ceremoniously decorated
masquerades were seen proceeding from the paramount ruler's palace, the Deji of
Akure.
Commercial
and private vehicles made a u-turn in a bid to avoid the invading
traditionalists. Businesses hurriedly closed shops, as commercial banks in the
ever busy Arakale and Oba Adesida followed suit.
Stranded
commuters could be seen making their ways through the rowdy crowd to get to
their destinations.
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