Traditional authorities in Asaba, Delta State, have reaffirmed the ban on the public sale of African Wild Mango (Ogbono) across markets in the community, warning that violators will face traditional and administrative sanctions.
The directive was announced by the Omu of Asaba, Ada Biosah, following an earlier reminder by the Epiphany Azinge that the long-standing cultural prohibition remains in force.
According to the traditional council, market leaders and enforcement teams have been directed to monitor compliance, with offenders facing confiscation of their goods, market bans and other traditional sanctions.
The Onihe (Chief Priest) of Asaba, Ubaka Attoh, explained that the restriction is rooted in the community’s customs and spiritual beliefs, stressing that it applies only to the public sale of Ogbono and not to its private consumption.
The decision has sparked mixed reactions, with some residents supporting the preservation of Asaba’s cultural heritage, while others expressed concern over its potential impact on traders who depend on the sale of the commodity for their livelihoods.
