Aggrieved members of Edo State Market Women’s Association and Traders Welfare Union have moved against the association’s leadership after accusations of corruption allegations against its president, Blacky Ogiamien.
The members braved the odd in an unprecedented show of discontent, demanded Ogiamien’s sack during a peaceful protest to Oba Palace in Benin City where they displayed placards, reflecting their concerns.
The protesters also sang songs, condemning the market union leader,’ who they allege is behind the increase in price of foodstuffs across markets in the state.
Spokesman for Edo Traders’ Welfare Union, Lucky Orukpe, called for the immediate removal of Edo market women Association leader, citing alleged high-handedness and failure to account for finances of the association.
Orukpe alleged that the funds include N100 million donated to the association by Senator Adams Oshiomhole in his capacity as governor of the state years ago, which the leader has yet to account for having found out the truth behind Ogiamien’s intrigues.
Another leader in one of the markets, Mrs Patience Asuen in feeling a range of emotion, passed ‘no confidence vote’ in the leadership of the unions, prompting them to seek the intervention of the paramount traditional ruler in the state.
Speaking on behalf of the Benin Palace Chiefs led by the Oyeoba of Benin, Chief Isaac Oghafua Oyeoba assured the protesters that the Oba of Benin, who is the life Patron of the union will ensure that justice is served.
Oyeoba, who was joined by other chiefs, cautioned the protesters against violence and advised them to conduct their activities in a peaceful manner.
To prove her innocence, Blacky Ogiamien, had, led a procession of traditional worshippers in Benin and swore loudly at some shrines, dedicated to the worship of deities and asked ancestral spirits to bear witness over the allegations levelled against her, insisting that she has nothing to hide despite alleged conspiracy theorists bent on blackmailing her.
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