Markets in Oyo State will not open for business today, Monday, January 3rd, as stores and stalls have been ordered to close.
The move was made in honour of the late Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji, according to the Babaloja General of Oyo State, Asiwaju Yekini Abass, who issued the directive in a statement on Sunday.
As previously reported, the country’s most powerful traditional ruler passed away on Sunday at the age of 93.
After a brief illness, he died at the University of Ibadan College Hospital.
The decision to close the markets was made after an emergency meeting of all market leaders on Sunday, according to Abass. He exhorted all traders and marketers to follow the rules.
Read also: Nigeria’s Immigration Service (NIS) reveals its plans to eliminate passport scarcity in the country
Abass recalled the Olubadan’s contributions to the development of Ibadanland and market activities in the area while praying for the late monarch’s soul to rest in peace.
Meanwhile, the late Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji’s spokesman, Adeola Oloko, has denied rumours that the late monarch died of COVID-19.
Oloko told reporters inside the palace on Sunday morning that the monarch died after a brief illness and not from COVID-19.
“Kabiyesi passed away around 1 a.m.,” Oloko said.
He was taken to a private hospital around 9 p.m. on Saturday before being transported to UCH Ibadan around 1 a.m., where he died.
After a brief illness, Baba passed away. He was in the hospital for about five to six days.
