From IKHILI EBALU, BENIN CITY
Edo State Market Women Association, EMWA, on Wednesday protested the alleged imposition of a market leader otherwise known as ‘Iye-eki’ on them.
The women also alleged the collection of
N1.5 million to facilitate the installation of the Iye-Eki on them.
The group in a statement titled, ‘Iye-eki: Appeal to Reverse the Injustice, Taboo Facing Our Markets,’ signed by its Coordinator, Mrs Florence Ahunwan and five others, during a peaceful protest to the premises of Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, in Benin, said the position of Iye-eki is not political, but sacred and exclusively preserved for a qualified woman of Benin extraction.
Mrs Ahunwan said the position could only be vacated by death or voluntary resignation of the occupier.
According to them, “It is surprising that today, a non-Benin is parading herself as the Iye-eki, making mockery of their aged-long culture and tradition.”
They alleged that Pastor Josephine Ibhaguezeje, with a non-Benin ancestry who claimed to have got the backing of the state government and President Bola Tinubu’s daughter, had continued to parade herself as the Iye-eki.
The group alleged that under Ibhaguezeje, their markets had become a tool for extortion by thugs loyal to her, as traders are faced with all manner of levies and where they attempt to resist, they are beaten, insulted and their businesses threatened.
They stated that the illegitimate reign had brought widespread division and resentment across markets in Benin, as market women are confused as to her sudden claim to the position.
According to them, “Iye-eki is a not a politician; it does not carry party card neither does she campaign or mobilise the markets to campaign for politicians. lye-eki, alongside her officers, as created by the Oba of Benin, are traditional gatekeepers of the markets in Benin City and by extension, Edo State.
“They advocate for better market policies, market security, as well as monitor the price of commodities to suit current economic realities and make living easy for market women and consumers across Edo State.
“As His Royal Majesty is aware, lye-eki is not elected neither is she selected by any kind of public contest or nominated by a superior being or politician. Her emergence is divine, sacred, spiritual and traditional in line with Benin tradition and customs, which is validated and endorsed by the Oba of Benin.
“This is enabled by the divine providence of the Omo n’Oba being the permanent head of the Edo Traditional Rulers Council. To this end, we ask with profound respect and loyalty to the palace, from where we all draw inspiration and protection, for the kind and expeditious intervention of the Oba of Benin on this matter.”
The group added that under Pastor Ibhaguezeje, the market-palace relationship had deeply eroded.
Reacting to the allegation, Ibhaguezeje said “the protest was politically motivated, adding that those protesting were not known to the association.”
