Following persistent complaints by residents of Isoko North Local Council in Delta State over the arbitrary hike in the prices of foodstuffs, apartment rentals, motorbike fares, and other essentials attributed to the activities of unions, the executive chairman of the council, Prince Godwin Ogorugba, has banned market unions, citing their exploitative practices disguised as union fees.
The announcement was made during a meeting with traders from Ozoro at the Isoko North Council Chamber. Ogorugba expressed concern over the rising cost of goods and rents, emphasising his administration’s commitment to curbing exploitation.
“We will be sending an executive bill to the legislative arm to block every form of exploitation of traders. The practice of demanding union fees before allowing businesses to operate must stop. This will ensure free trading,” Ogorugba said.
The chairman explained that the council’s decision to revoke the practice of locking up shops in markets is part of an effort to eliminate third-party interference. He stated that the shops would now be handed directly to traders, ensuring that individuals with no legitimate business in the market can no longer secure spaces through connections and lease them out. He noted that, in some cases, such spaces have even been passed on as inherited property.
Ogorugba assured traders that his administration is committed to addressing their concerns and improving living conditions for the people of Isoko North.
He highlighted how the actions of multiple unions, landlords, and agents have contributed to the rising cost of living in Ozoro, making essential services increasingly unaffordable.
The President-General of the Ozoro Progressive Union (OPU), Odio Berkley Eloviano Asiafa, also backed Ogorugba’s decision, noting that previous attempts to ban unions had been met with resistance.
“In November alone, we dealt with the Tomatoes and Pepper Sellers Association. We arrested their leaders and took them to the Divisional Police Headquarters. They paid N100,000 in damages to a lady they had forced out of the market.
“Earlier this month, we summoned the Fresh Fish Sellers Association to Opute Hall, where over 100 women and girls attended. My executive committee and I read the riot act to them. They claimed their union was meant to assist members during burial ceremonies, birthdays, and marriages. They even sought confirmation from the King about the ban,” Asiafa said.
He further disclosed that the Vice Chancellor of Southern Delta University, Ozoro, Prof Jacob Snapps Oboreh, is concerned about the high cost of hostel accommodation and has promised to take action to ease the financial burden on students.
Asiafa also revealed plans for a meeting with commercial motorbike operators in February to address the high cost of transportation in the community. He called for collective efforts, saying, “The council chairman and OPU cannot do it alone. We need all hands on deck. These traders in the market are our mothers, sisters, daughters, and wives.”
