Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has applauded the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, for his recent effort to reduce food prices in Ile-Ife and its environs.
Ooni of Ife, Oba Ogunwusi
In a video clip that went viral on Saturday, July 13, traditional chiefs of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Ogunwusi, are seen going around the markets in the city to publicly announce the ban on market unions, particularly the practice of fixing food prices by the unions, which usually results in inflation.
In a statement by MURIC founder and CEO Ishaq Akintola on Sunday, the Islamic rights group said the Ooni's initiative underscores the relevance of traditional rulers in governance.
He called on other traditional rulers in the country to emulate the monarch.
“MURIC applauds the initiative of the Ooni and his concern for the plight of the poor in Ile-Ife, its environs and beyond. The royal father has demonstrated beyond reasonable doubt that he sympathizes with the commoners and recognizes the hunger that is widespread in the country.
“We call on other monarchs in the country to follow the Ooni’s example and think innovatively to find ways to alleviate the suffering of their subjects. Like security, governance must be based on collective effort,” the group said.
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MURIC said the contributions of traditional rulers like the Ooni are one of the reasons why the rigid theory of separation of powers between the executive, judiciary and legislature must be reviewed to include traditional rulers. He added that the latter must be included in the full range of laws to legalise their activities.
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The group called on Nigerians who act as intermediaries in the Nigerian economy, such as market syndicates, oil and transport-related organisations, to reconsider their negative effects on ordinary Nigerians.
“Very often, the harm these groups cause is far worse than that inflicted on the average Nigerian by any other body,” he added.