Aggrieved members of the Edo State Market Women’s Association and the Traders’ Welfare Union took to the streets of Benin City on Tuesday to demand the removal of the Association’s president, Blacky Ogiamien.
The protesters, armed with placards and chanting songs of solidarity, gathered at the Oba Palace, where they voiced their grievances, accusing Ogiamien of corruption and financial mismanagement.
The protest, described as unprecedented by many, centered around allegations of high-handedness and lack of transparency in the handling of the Association’s finances.
According to Comrade Lucky Orukpe, the spokesman for the Edo Traders’ Welfare Union, Ogiamien has failed to account for significant sums of money, including a donation of N100 million from former Governor of Edo State, Senator Adams Oshiomhole.
Orukpe accused Ogiamien of mishandling the funds, which were meant to benefit the Association and its members.
“Ogiamien’s leadership has been marred by financial secrecy and a blatant disregard for accountability,” Orukpe said. “This money, donated for the welfare of the market women, has vanished without any explanation. It’s time for her to go.”
The protesters also accused the leadership of the Market Women’s Association of contributing to rising food prices across the state, claiming that an “evil union in the markets” was manipulating prices to the detriment of both traders and consumers.
Mrs. Patience Asuen, a market leader, added her voice to the growing dissent, passing a vote of no confidence in Ogiamien’s leadership. “We have no confidence in the current leadership. We are calling on the Oba of Benin to intervene and ensure justice is done.”
Responding to the protest, Chief Isaac Oghafua Oyeoba, speaking on behalf of the Benin Palace Chiefs, assured the protesters that their concerns would be addressed.
Oyeoba, joined by other chiefs, encouraged the protesters to remain peaceful, stating that the Oba of Benin, as the life patron of the Union, would ensure that justice prevails.
“We understand your frustrations, and we assure you that the Oba of Benin is aware of the situation. He will ensure that the truth is uncovered and justice is served. However, we urge you to continue your activities in a peaceful and lawful manner,” Oyeoba said.
In response to the accusations, Blacky Ogiamien has denied any wrongdoing. She recently led a procession of traditional worshippers in Benin, where she swore an oath at several shrines, invoking the ancestral spirits to bear witness to her innocence.
Ogiamien claimed that she is the victim of a conspiracy aimed at discrediting her leadership.
“I have nothing to hide,” Ogiamien declared. “Those behind these baseless accusations are simply trying to blackmail me, but I will not be intimidated. Let the gods be my witness.”
As tensions rise, all eyes are now on the Oba of Benin and the outcome of the investigations into the leadership of the Edo Market Women’s Association.
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