In response to the astronomical increase in the prices of foodstuffs observed in various markets throughout Ado-Ekiti, the capital of Ekiti State, the Ewi-in-Council took significant action on Monday. They initiated a proactive measure that involved dissolving existing associations within the markets and issued a stern warning to traders against the inflation of prices for essential food items.
The council conveyed this warning during a crucial meeting held in Ado-Ekiti, which brought together the leadership and several members of the market women association. This gathering emphasized the critical nature of the issue at hand, and the representatives of the council made it clear that they were deeply concerned about the reports indicating that many traders in the markets were exploiting middle-men to artificially inflate the prices of various foodstuffs. Among the items that have seen price hikes are tomatoes, pepper, vegetables, palm oil, locust beans, meat, garri, and other essential commodities. The practice of dictating prices to the farmers who bring these goods to the markets has caused significant distress among consumers.
In light of this troubling situation, the Ewi-Council took decisive measures by dissolving various market associations that were found culpable of charging exorbitant prices for foodstuffs. As part of their directive, the council mandated that the prices of certain essential items be capped: vegetables should not exceed fifty naira, pepper should be sold at a maximum of one hundred naira, and garri should not be priced higher than seven hundred naira. Additionally, the council ordered that the price for a kilogram of meat be significantly reduced to four thousand five hundred naira, a move aimed at making food more accessible to the residents of Ado-Ekiti.
During the meeting, the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Adeyemo Adejugbe, emphasized the importance of these actions, noting that the primary goal was to alleviate the economic burden on the residents of the town. He passionately appealed to the leadership of the traders in the market to take the directive seriously and implement the changes promptly and effectively. Oba Adejugbe underscored the necessity of cooperation between the council and traders to ensure that all residents can afford basic food items amidst rising costs.
Furthermore, Oba Adejugbe reassured everyone present that the traditional chiefs would play an active role in monitoring the implementation of these directives within the market places. They would ensure strict adherence to the new pricing guidelines and take appropriate actions to sanction any individuals or groups found to be in defiance of these important regulations. This commitment from the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti and his council aims to foster a fairer economic environment for all residents and to promote transparency and accountability in market transactions.
