A traditional ruler, the Akran of Badagry, Aholu Menu Toyi 1, has dissolved all market committees dictating the prices of foodstuffs and goods in Agbalata International Market, Badagry, indefinitely.
Akran made the announcement during a meeting with Agbalata market men and women at his palace in Badagry, yesterday.
The Akran, who was represented by Onu Osekan, the Jengen of Badagry, said no committee should dictate the price of foodstuffs brought to the market by sellers any longer.
“We are all aware of the way prices of goods are going up daily in our markets.
“Some sellers are not given freedom to sell their products by some committees who will be demanding extra money.
“Henceforth, all sellers in Badagry markets have freedom to sell their products without interference from any committee.
“Also, the charging of extra money after the sellers have collected their money from fish buyers or any others should stop.
“Nobody or committee should charge extra money from the buyers or sellers until further notice,” he said.
The Akran said the Badagry Kingdom was emulating Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, the Oni of Ife, in Osun, to ensure prices of goods are reduced.
“Chairman of Badagry Local Government Area, Olusegun Onilude, came to meet us in the palace and urged us to appeal to marketers in Agbalata on reduction in prices of foodstuffs.
“Please for now, let all and sundry comply with these directives,” the traditional ruler said.
He said in line with the directive, some selected chiefs from the palace would be going to markets to make a formal announcement.
He said market chiefs and other selected people would be monitoring the market activities to ensure compliance.
Many market committees, associations, market heads, market men and women attended the meeting.
Traditional chiefs at the meeting include Anthony Hunji, the Finhento of Badagry; Senu Amosu, baale of Jegba, and Tunde Giro, the Depegan of Badagry.
Others are Mobee Emmanuel, baale of Apanukoh; Onitiju Wusu, baale of Yovokomeh; M. M. Okoya, Osi Iyaloja of Badagry; Abimbola Ayinde, Osi Babaoja of Badagry and Saliu Zanni, Huntoojan of Badagry.