In a bold move to combat rising food prices, the Ewi-in-Council, led by Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe, has ordered a significant reduction in the prices of essential food items in Ado Ekiti, the capital of Ekiti State. The council also took the decisive step of banning the activities of middlemen and dissolving various trading associations that were allegedly driving up costs.
This decision came after the council received numerous complaints from residents who reported that traders were using middlemen to artificially inflate prices, making basic food items unaffordable for many. The council, determined to make life easier for the people of Ado Ekiti, held a meeting with the leaders and members of the market women’s association from various markets in the state capital to address these issues.
During the meeting, the Ewi-in-Council laid down specific price reductions for several key food items. For example, the price of vegetables was set at a maximum of N50, pepper at N100, a measure of garri at N700, and a kilogram of meat was capped at N4,500. The council made it clear that any trader caught selling these items at higher prices would face strict sanctions.
Oba Adejugbe explained that the move was aimed at curbing the exploitative practices that have been making life difficult for the residents of Ado Ekiti. He pointed out that middlemen often buy goods directly from farmers, hold onto them, and then sell them at inflated prices. This practice not only hurts consumers but also delays payments to farmers, creating a cycle of hardship.
“We have discovered that middlemen are a significant part of the problem,” Oba Adejugbe said. “They intercept goods from farmers and increase the prices before they reach the market. This has to stop. We want to ensure that everyone in Ado Ekiti can afford the food they need.”
The Ewi-in-Council also emphasized that all trading associations within the markets have been dissolved to prevent any further price manipulation. The council assured traders that they could now bring their goods directly to the market without interference from middlemen or associations. This, they believe, will help stabilize prices and ensure fair trading practices.
To enforce these new measures, the council has instructed chiefs to regularly monitor the markets. These chiefs will be responsible for ensuring that traders comply with the new pricing directives and that no middlemen are operating behind the scenes. Any trader found violating these rules will be punished accordingly.
Oba Adejugbe urged the market leaders to take the directive seriously and to cooperate fully with the new regulations. He stressed that the goal of these changes is to create a more equitable market system where everyone, from the farmer to the consumer, benefits fairly.
“This is about fairness and making sure that the people of Ado Ekiti can live comfortably,” the monarch stated. “We will not tolerate anyone trying to undermine these efforts. The chiefs will be vigilant, and we expect full compliance.”
The move has been met with mixed reactions. While many residents have expressed relief and hope that these measures will bring down the cost of living, some traders are concerned about how these changes will affect their businesses. However, the Ewi-in-Council remains firm in its decision, believing that the long-term benefits of fair pricing will outweigh any short-term challenges.
Source: The Guardian
