Lagos chiefs have taken action to enforce the monarch’s directive for price reductions at local markets, aiming to control costs for consumers.
On Saturday, the Akran of Badagry directed traditional chiefs to reduce prices of foodstuffs and goods at Agbalata Market in Lagos. The chiefs then carried out the directive by forcefully storming the market.
All market committees in charge of pricing at the Agbalata International Market were dissolved, as declared by Aholu Menu Toyi 1; Badagry’s traditional ruler on August 28.
The announcement was conveyed to market vendors during a meeting held at the palace of the monarch.
“No committee,” asserted Akran representative Chief Michael Onu-Osekan, “should have the authority to regulate vendors’ prices for goods.”
He directed town criers to convene traders from multiple sites under the jurisdiction of the local government, apprising them about the latest regulations.
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The significance of adhering to these directives and apprehensions regarding certain traders who are defying payment for market services such as waste disposal and security fees were emphasized by Onu-Osekan.
He stressed that the aim was to avert excessive financial strain on the community and guarantee equitable pricing.
Efiyentan of Badagry Kingdom, Chief Anthony Oloyede expressed his support for the enforcement and observed that there were a few traders who had been ignoring their usual market dues, encompassing those relating to upkeep of hygiene.
He advised traders to adhere to the newly established pricing protocols and fulfill their monetary responsibilities.
While appreciating the chiefs’ intervention, Mr. Tunde Hundeyin from the Coconut Sellers Association urged the government to take necessary measures in reducing fuel prices as it is one of the primary causes for escalating food expenses.
The Otun Baba Oja of Agbalata Market, Chief Solomon Alabi, confirmed the traders’ compliance with the recent directives and expressed gratitude to the chiefs for clarifying instructions from the monarch.
