Members of the Edo State Market Women Association took to the streets on Thursday to protest the alleged imposition of Pastor Josephine Ebhaguejezele as the new Iyaloja of Edo Market. The demonstration was led by Blacky Ogiamen, Chairman of the Edo State Market Women Association, who voiced strong opposition to the purported leadership appointment orchestrated by the Iyaloja of Lagos, Chief Folasade Tinubu Ojo.
Ogiamen asserted her position as the legitimate chairman of the Market Women Association in Edo State, emphasizing that the role of market women leadership in the state should remain apolitical.
“We are saying no to the illegal inauguration of the Iyaloja of Edo State. There is a law guiding the State Market Women Association,” Ogiamen declared during the protest.
She continued, “We are the authentic market women in Edo State, and the association is led by me. This association has been in existence for several decades, right from the reign of Oba Akenzua to the present Oba of Benin. When any leader dies, the assistant takes over. During the reign of Oba Erediauwa, he called us to the Palace and appointed me to lead the market women in Edo State. Since then, there has been peace in this association.”
Ogiamen stressed the apolitical nature of the association, stating, “We are not politicians. We are voters. We support any government in power. When Comrade Adams Oshiomhole was the Governor, we supported him throughout his tenure. We supported Lucky Igbinedion, Chief John Odigie Oyegun, and the present government. That is how we have been managing our affairs without crisis.”
The Chairman revealed that about a week ago, they received news of plans to inaugurate another president for the Edo State Market Women Association. “The Oba of Benin is our grand patron, while the Governor is our patron. Our constitution states that it is only death that removes any leader of the Market Women Association in Edo State. It is not political,” she asserted.
Coordinators from across the 18 local government areas of Edo State echoed Ogiamen’s sentiments, reaffirming their loyalty and passing a vote of confidence in her leadership.
Madukwe B. Nwabuisi is an accomplished journalist renown for his fearless reporting style and extensive expertise in the field. He is an investigative journalist, who has established himself as a kamikaze reporter.
