In a spirited demonstration on Thursday, members of the Edo State Market Women Association took to the streets to protest the alleged imposition of Pastor Josephine Ebhaguejezele as Iyaloja of Edo Market.
Led by their Chairman, Blacky Ogiamen, the protesters voiced their rejection of the planned leadership change orchestrated by Chief Folasade Tinubu Ojo, the Iyaloja of Lagos. Ogiamen emphasized that she is the legitimate chairman of the Market Women Association in Edo State and insisted that market leadership in the state should remain non-political.
"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 stated.
She explained, "We are the authentic market women in Edo State, and this association has been led by me. This association has existed for several decades, from the reign of Oba Akenzua to the present Oba of Benin. When a leader passes away, the assistant takes over. During the reign of Oba Erediauwa, he appointed me to lead the market women in Edo State, and since then, we have maintained peace."
Ogiamen stressed that the association is apolitical. "We are not politicians. We are voters who support any government in power. We supported Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, Lucky Igbinedion, Chief John Odigie Oyegun, and the current government. We've managed our affairs without any crisis."
She continued, "About a week ago, we heard of plans to inaugurate another President of the Edo State Market Women Association. The Oba of Benin is our grand patron, and the Governor is our Patron. Our constitution states that only death can remove a leader of the Market Women Association in Edo State. This is not a political position."
Coordinators from the 18 local government areas in the state reaffirmed their loyalty to Ogiamen and passed a vote of confidence in her leadership.
