The Akran of Badagry, Aholu Menu Toyi 1, has announced the indefinite dissolution of all market committees responsible for dictating the prices of foodstuffs and goods at Agbalata International Market, Badagry.
The decision was made during a meeting with market men and women at his palace in Badagry on Tuesday.
Represented by Chief Onu Osekan, the Jengen of Badagry, the Akran stated that no committee would be allowed to control the prices of goods brought to the market by sellers.
“We are all aware of the way prices of goods are going up daily in our markets,” he said. “Some sellers are not given the freedom to sell their products by some committees who will be demanding extra money.”
He emphasized that from now on, all sellers in Badagry markets are free to sell their products without interference. “Also, the charging of extra money after the sellers have collected their money from fish buyers or any others should stop,” he added. “Nobody or committee should charge extra money from the buyers or sellers until further notice.”
The traditional ruler mentioned that the Badagry Kingdom is following the example of Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, the Oni of Ife in Osun, to help reduce the prices of goods. “The Chairman of Badagry Local Government, Mr. Olusegun Onilude, came to meet us in the palace and urged us to appeal to marketers in Agbalata on reduction in prices of foodstuffs,” the Akran explained. “Please, for now, let all and sundry comply with these directives.”
To ensure the new rules are followed, selected chiefs from the palace will visit markets to make a formal announcement. Market chiefs and other selected individuals will monitor market activities to ensure compliance.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that many market committees, associations, market heads, and market men and women attended the meeting. Traditional chiefs present included Chief Anthony Hunji, the Finhento of Badagry; Chief Senu Amosu, Baale of Jegba; Chief Tunde Giro, the Depegan of Badagry; Chief Mobee Emmanuel, Baale of Apanukoh; Chief Onitiju Wusu, Baale of Yovokomeh; Chief M.M Okoya, Osi Iyaloja of Badagry; Chief Abimbola Ayinde, Osi Babaoja of Badagry; and Chief Saliu Zanni, Huntoojan of Badagry.
