Traditional chiefs in Badagry took decisive action at Agbalata International Market on Saturday, enforcing a directive to lower the prices of foodstuffs and goods. This follows an August 28th announcement by Aholu Menu Toyi 1, the Traditional Ruler of Badagry, dissolving market committees that had been controlling the pricing of goods.
The ruler, represented by Chief Michael Onu-Osekan, sent town criers to summon traders at various locations across the local government. Onu-Osekan emphasized that no committee should dictate prices anymore and urged traders not to exploit consumers by overpricing essential goods.
Chiefs inspected the market to ensure compliance with the ruler's directive, addressing concerns that some traders had stopped paying monthly fees for waste management and security services.
Tunde Hundeyin, from the Coconut Sellers Association, welcomed the intervention but urged the chiefs to appeal to the government for reduced fuel prices, which he identified as a major cause of the high cost of foodstuffs.
In response, Chief Solomon Alabi, the Otun Baba Oja of Agbalata Market, assured that traders would comply with the new pricing guidelines.
This move is aimed at easing the financial burden on local residents as the chiefs called for more humane pricing practices in the market.
