• Markets closed
Oyo State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, has declared today as a public holiday in honour of the new Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Saliu Adetunji.
The state’s Head of Service, Mr. Soji Eniade, conveyed the governor’s decision in a statement yesterday.
“The governor, has therefore urged all civil/public servants, market men and women, artisans and other members of the public to turn out at the venue of the ceremony by 9:00am today to witness the epoch-making event.”
The governor urged citizens to be peace and law-abiding before, during and after the ceremony, warning that security agencies have been placed on red alert to forestall breakdown of the pervading peace across the state.
In a related development, Oyo State Market Leaders Advisory Council has directed that all markets in the 11 local government areas of Ibadanland be shut today, in honour of the coronation ceremony of the 41st Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Saliu Adetunji.
A statement by the acting President of the council, Alhaja Mopelade Iyadunni, said closure of the markets became imperative to accord due honour to the foremost monarch, who succeeds Oba Samuel Odulana Odugade I, the late monarch who joined his ancestors on January 19.
The advisory council is the umbrella body for traders’ associations across the state, comprising Oyo State Market Men and Women Association, Ibadan Joint Traders Association, Food and Canteen Workers’ Association, Association of Trades Men and Artisans, as well as the Nigeria Youth Traders Action Council, among others.
The statement also called on members of all affiliate associations to join the state government, the Adetunji family, the Olubadan-in-Council, as well as citizens of Ibadan to celebrate the new Oba today at Mapo Hall Arcade.
Meanwhile, the governor has approved the conversion of the access road passing through the private residence of the Olubadan at Popoyemoja, which will also serve as his palace, to a one-way road.
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works and Transport, Mr. Oyesola Oyedele, conveyed the governor’s decision at a separate press briefing yesterday.
He said the decision became necessary to forestall the perennial traffic jam associated with the area, considering the expected heavy volume of traffic in the area today and subsequently.
Oyedele explained that traffic had been diverted to the adjourning roads, where he said adequate road signs had been mounted, adding that Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIO) and officials of the Oyo State Traffic Management Authority would be on hand to guide motorists accordingly.
