By Omowumi Omotosho and Sakeenah Abdullateef
The Mandated Market in Ilorin, the Kwara State was on Tuesday thrown in commotion as garri sellers clashed over the price of their goods.
The commotion erupted when a garri seller, described as an outsider, entered the market and began selling her garri at 800 naira per bowl, significantly undercutting the prices of other traders who were selling above this amount.
The price disparity led to a heated confrontation, with several traders opposing the woman for her lower pricing strategy. This disagreement quickly escalated into a scene of commotion, drawing the attention of market authorities and bystanders.
Babaloja Alhaji Tambaraku
In response to the incident, the Babaloja of Mandate Market, Alhaji Muritala Tambaraku condemned the development, saying such altercation is unwelcome in the market.
The Babaloja who spoke to the National Pilot emphasized the importance of harmony among traders and the need to resolve disputes amicably.
“Upon hearing about the incident, I rushed to the scene immediately. However, by the time I arrived, the troublemakers had already fled because they knew I would deal with them thoroughly.”
The Babaloja also declared that after he intervened in the crisis, he supervised the sales of the 800 per Mudu garri, ensuring the market woman could continue her business without further harassment. “I rebuked those resisting the prices and made sure the sales went on smoothly,” he added.
He further explained the ongoing efforts to maintain fair pricing and stability in the market: “In fact, we the chairmen and chairwomen of the market often go around the market to regulate the food prices and bring ease to the community.”
The Babaloja assured that measures would be taken to prevent future occurrences of such disruptions and to maintain a fair and peaceful trading environment in the market.
