By Remilekun Enitan Oyelowo
Governor Ademola Adeleke has thrown his support behind a traditional approach to controlling food prices, implemented by some traditional rulers in Osun State, as a measure to curb the state’s rising food inflation.
In a statement issued on Friday by Spokesperson to the State Governor,Mallam Olawale Rasheed. Governor Adeleke praised the traditional rulers for their proactive steps in regulating food prices and curbing the influence of middlemen in marketplaces. He described the initiative as a “local innovation to lower increasing food inflation across the state.”
Governor Adeleke condemned the artificial inflation induced by market middlemen and lauded the efforts of the traditional rulers, led by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, who abolished certain market associations that had been driving up food prices. According to the governor, the actions taken by the traditional rulers have been instrumental in supporting the government’s efforts to address food insecurity in the state.
“The actions of our traditional rulers have greatly supported our government’s efforts to combat food insecurity,” Adeleke said. “Their intervention in market price control has been instrumental in mitigating the exploitation by middlemen who have been driving up food costs.”
The governor specifically highlighted the contributions of traditional rulers from Ile-Ife, Ede, Igbajo, and Iwo, urging other royal fathers in Osun State to adopt similar measures. He called on these leaders to engage with market associations to prevent undue price hikes and ensure fair pricing for consumers.
“I commend the initiative taken by the Ooni of Ife and similar efforts by the Oluwo of Iwoland and Timi of Ede Land,” Adeleke remarked. “This approach should be a model for all our royal fathers. I am directing my Special Adviser on Markets to support our royal fathers in this new drive to establish traditional price control.”
In addition to supporting traditional price control methods, Governor Adeleke has directed the State Food Security Implementation Committee to expedite their efforts in securing a reliable and accessible food supply chain in Osun State. He urged the committee, composed of agricultural experts, to deliver actionable plans and clear timelines to address the urgent matter of food security.
“The time for action is now,” Adeleke asserted. “We have a comprehensive food security report and now need a concrete roadmap for execution. I commend the Commissioner for Agriculture for advancing our agro-industrialization agenda. We have already begun with the supply of tractors, which I will be unveiling soon, and embraced traditional price control through our traditional rulers.”
Governor Adeleke emphasized the need for a holistic approach to agriculture that addresses all segments of the value chain. “Our Food Security Committee report outlines a complete agenda, and I expect the implementation committee to realize this vision,” he concluded.
This endorsement from Governor Adeleke marks a significant step towards stabilizing food prices and ensuring food security in Osun State. The collaboration between the government and traditional rulers highlights a unique synergy aimed at benefiting the local population by making essential food items more affordable and accessible.
