The action is in honor of the late Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji, according to the Babaloja General of Oyo State, Asiwaju Yekini Abass, who gave 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 at an emergency meeting of all market leaders on Sunday, according to Abass. He urged all traders and marketers to comply.

While praying for the repose of the late monarch’s soul, Abass recalled the Olubadan’s contributions to the development of Ibadanland and market activities in the area.

Meanwhile, Adeola Oloko, spokesman of the late Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji, has denied rumors that the late monarch died of COVID-19.

In a chat with reporters on Sunday morning inside the palace, Oloko said the monarch died after a brief illness and not from COVID-19.

Oloko said: “It was around 1am that Kabiyesi passed on.

“Around 9pm (Saturday), he was first taken to a private hospital, before he was carried to UCH Ibadan around 1am, thereafter he passed on.

“Baba passed on after a brief illness. He spent about five to six days at the hospital.”