Omo N’ Oba N’ Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, CFR, Oba of Benin has resolved the protracted Edo market women leadership crisis that had plagued markets across the seven Local Government Areas that make up Edo South Senatorial District.
The verification exercise was held on Thursday evening at the Oba Palace in Benin City, Edo State Capital, where two Benin Royal family members had lay claim to the same position of leader (Iyeki) at Oba market, were caught between opposing sides of the struggle.
Princess (Mrs) Judith Oshodin and Princess (Mrs) Osarogie Rosemary Osagie —
were both disqualified automatically from vying for the leadership position at Oba market in Oredo Local Government Area of the State by the Benin monarch and other markets where there was leadership tussle suffered the same fate.
Oba Ewuare’s message over 55 markets in Benin leaders who were present at the palace, was conveyed by Chief Osaro Idah, the Obazelu of Benin at the meeting, which as moderated by the Secretary, Benin Traditional Council, Frank Irabor.
Irabor also cleared certain misconceptions that were explained in a recent public announcement by the Benin Traditional Council, issued on the authority of the Oba regarding the leadership tussle in the State.
During the roll call of Benin markets where leadership tussle exist were disqualified, while market women in the affected areas were directed by the Oba to elect own leaders and present the names of their chosen leaders to the palace for consideration and approval by the Oba within two weeks as part of effort towards restoring sanity at the various markets.
Consequently, shortlisted market leaders that had no dispute had smooth sail as they were directed to oversee their areas of jurisdiction, ahead of the necessary traditional rites in line with the tradition, while the Oba pronounced his blessings on markets.
Chants of solidarity by market leaders who are in for an exciting adventures, rent the air after following the resolution or the dispute by the Oba after separating wheat from the chaff at the meeting.
