Following the continued increase in the cost of food, goods and services in Ondo State, Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu on Thursday ordered the immediate ban of all unions and associations in the state.

The Governor said the measures were taken to protect residents in the state amid soaring costs and incessant increases in prices of goods and services by artisans, particularly farm produce and food items.

In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Donald Ojogo, the decision was taken in the overall socio-economic interest of the people of the state.

With the development, all Trading Unions and Associations under the umbrella of Ondo State United Artisan Group has been barred from fixing and enforcing uniform prices of goods and services being sold and rendered.

The statement disclosed that the state government had for a while watched with discomfort and dismay, the economic suffocation of the people with unimaginable increases in prices of goods and services in markets, shops and other sale outlets across the state.

“Even without due regard for market forces, it is obvious that associations and unions are largely behind this unwholesome act.

The move by the governor further stipulated that individuals including artisans, traders as well as providers of services and farmers would be henceforth allowed to operate and sell their products and render any service in any part of the state as they may deem “profitable, based on the principle of demand and supply and prevailing market forces.”

He added that under the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, membership of associations and unions remained voluntary.

While emphasizing that anyone caught flouting the directive would be made to face the full wrath of the law, he stressed that sale of tickets to artisans and traders by any association and union without due approval of the state government through the Internal Revenue Service would also be dealt with.