Members of the Edo State Market Women Association took to the streets on Thursday to protest the alleged plan to impose Pastor Josephine Ebhaguejezele as the new Iyaloja of Edo Market.
The protest was led by Blacky Ogiamen, the Chairman of the Edo State Market Women Association.
She strongly rejected the planned leadership change, which she claims is being orchestrated by Chief Folasade Tinubu Ojo, the Iyaloja of Lagos.
Ogiamen stated, “We are saying no to the illegal inauguration of Iyaloja of Edo State. There is a law guiding the State Market Women Association.” She emphasized that the leadership position is not meant to be political.
She explained, “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 till the present Oba of Benin. When any leader dies, the assistant will take over. During the reign of Oba Erediauwa, he called us to the Palace and said I should lead the market women in Edo State. Since then, there has been peace in this association.”
Ogiamen added, “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 this present Government. That is how we have been piloting the affairs without crisis.”
She continued, “About a week ago, we heard that they want to inaugurate another President of the Edo State Market Women Association. The Oba of Benin is our grand patron, while the Governor is our Patron. It is stated in our constitution that ‘it is only death that removes any leader of the Market Women Association in Edo State. It is not political.’”
Coordinators from the 18 local government areas of the state expressed their support for Ogiamen, reaffirming their loyalty and passing a vote of confidence on her leadership.
