Oyo State declares Friday as Public holiday in honour of Oba Saliu Adetunji as Ibadan Market to be closed for Olubadan coronation tomorrow.

The Oyo State Market Leaders Advisory Council has directed that all markets in the eleven Local Government Areas of Ibadanland be shut on Friday, in honour of the coronation ceremony of Adetunji.

A statement by the Acting President of the Council, Alhaja Mopelade Iyadunni, said that the closure of the markets became imperative to accord due honour to the foremost monarch, who succeeds Oba Samuel Odulana Odugade I. The late monarch had joined his ancestors on January 19.

The advisory council is the umbrella body State 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 on Friday at the Mapo Hall arcade.

In a related development, the governor has approved the conversion of the access road passing through the private residence of the Olubadan-designate at Popoyemoja, which will also serves as his palace, to a one way.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works and Transport, Mr. Oyesola Oyedele, conveyed the governor’s decision at a separate press briefing,on Thursday. He said that the decision became necessary to forestall the perennial logjam associated with the area, considering the expected heavy volume of traffic in the area on Friday 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 and officials of the Oyo State Traffic Management Authority would be on hand to guide motorists accordingly.

The PS urged motorists to take note of the new directive, warning that errant drivers would be sanctioned!