MARKET ASSOCIATION RESPONSES TO ‘OBA’ PROSCRIPTION IN AKUNGBA AKOKO, ONDO STATE.

ABSTRACT This study explored the reasons behind the oba`s proscription of market associations in Akungba-Akoko, Ondo state; the effects the proscription had on market activities, and identified how traders associations coped with the proscriptions. The study design was qualitative and relied on in-depth interviews held with twenty(20) market traders out of whom three(3) were leaders. The interview guide contained unstructured questions that captured the objectives of the study. Interviews were audio-recorded, sorted and transcribed ad reported thematically. Findings from the study showed that the oba`s proscription of the market associations was informed by incessant allegation of hoarding of goods leading to scarcity, arbitrary fixing of prices which renders it difficult for many buyers to purchase goods the way they would have wanted to, and abuse of power. The effects of the proscription led to disunity between the group of traders who supported the oba`s action and those who opposed his action and endangered customers satisfaction in purchase of goods based of market forces. The response of the market associations towards the oba`s proscription was a call for gradual reform of the association with strict monitoring mechanism that will be coordinated by a joint committee consisting of market traders and representatives from palace to serve as palace oversight.