The Chairman of Edo State Market Women Association, Blacky Ogiamen, led a protest on Thursday, rejecting the planned leadership imposition by the Iyaloja of Lagos, Chief Folasade Tinubu Ojo.
Ogiamen emphasized her position as the legitimate chairman of the association, warning that market women leadership in Edo State should not be politicized. “We are saying no to the illegal inauguration of Iyaloja of Edo State. There is a law guiding the State Market Women Association,” she declared.
She asserted the authenticity of her leadership, stating, “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.”
Ogiamen recounted the traditional process of leadership succession within the association. “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 in Edo State.”
Highlighting their non-political stance, she 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.”
Ogiamen voiced her concerns about the recent developments, “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 reaffirmed their loyalty to Ogiamen’s leadership, passing a vote of confidence in her during the protest.
