BY OLASUNKANMI AKONI

_LAGOS—COMMERCIAL activities in Ikeja and its environs, including the popular Computer Village, were paralysed yesterday, as markets were shut following announcement of the death of traditional ruler in the area, Olu of Ikeja, Oba Rauf Adeniyi Matemi, Amore 1.

According to a source, the monarch actually died on Tuesday at the age of 61.

Hence, the council of chiefs immediately issued an order suspending sales of goods in markets within the area as sign of honour to the departed soul.

As part of tradition, the king’s palace was agog with activities as masquerades displayed to signal the exit of the monarch.

Consequently, consumers who trooped out to Computer Village for business transactions were disappointed as shops were shut. However, some traders were also seen making brisk business on the sidelines even as the Palace guards were also seen enforcing the close shop order in honour of the late Oba.

Later in the afternoon, the entire area around the king’s palace was cordoned off by palace guards and chiefs to allow for certain traditional rites to be carried out unhindered.

At press time, the state government was yet to make any official statement on the transition of the monarch.