There were eight visitors who checked the Market Days schedule for Oje-Ibadan and Oje-Ede yesterday. I have it in my kitchen and checked it Sunday night just to be sure I had the date for the market at Ibadan right: Monday, September 30 because I need to get some items for my daughters.
I was first taken aback on the main road from Mapo Hill to Gate where I had gotten off the vehicle that took me because the usual bustle seemed missing but I did not give it much thought and merely cut across to one of the short cuts through foot-paths that an older sister had shown me; there are no parking lots or sides of the roads at the market. The foot paths go through ancient houses in front of which there are always women. The one I took showed no sign of market activities because one would always meet several people walking back and forth along the house fronts. I would greet the women, especially the older women, Mama, Ẹ k’aro, o – Good morning, Mommies – but did not ask whether it was a market day.
By the time I arrived at the market area, it was apparent there was no market yesterday: the shops were closed, and the streets, always filled with displayed wares, were devoid of activities. I went to the old woman from whom I always buy chewing sticks on market days whenever I attended and asked what had happened and was informed there would be a market next Wednesday, October 9th!
I had believed these days were set in – sort of – stone, especially with the annual calendars. The old woman could not explain the change of dates but by next Wednesday, I’d ask around because I still need the purchases for my kids.
I wonder if the change had to do with the Moslem festival of Ileya – Greater Beiram – which I understand comes up within the next two weeks; will find out when I visit next Wednesday.
I was told that THERE IS NO MARKET DAY AT OJE-IBADAN THIS SATURDAY, OCTOBER 6.
I just hope the eight people who visited to check Oje Market days yesterday did not do so to VERIFY before going to the Ibadan market. If so, it would be a big shame brought about through no fault of this blog. Ẹ pẹlẹ, o – accept my regrets.