Market Unions storm Oba Palace, seek leader's sack



The protesters 

From our news desk, Benin 

Aggrieved members of the Edo State market Women's Association and traders Welfare Union have moved against their leadership, Blacky Ogiamien after an unending accusations of corruption.

This was disclosed by Osaigbovo Iguobaro, the Chief Press Secretary to the Benin Monarch HRM Oba Ewuare II, in a press release availed journalists in Benin.

The members in an unprecedented show of discontent, demanded Ogiamien's sack during a peaceful protest to the Oba Palace in Benin City, where they carried placards of various inscriptions, reflecting their concerns.

As the protesters conveyed their worries and resentment in songs, they thoroughly condemned what they termed: 'evil Union in markets' which they allege is behind the arbitrary increase in price of foodstuffs; across markets in the State. 

Spokesman for Edo traders Welfare Union, Comrade Lucky Orukpe, called for the immediate removal of Edo market women Association leaders; citing high handedness and failure to account for finances of the association. 

Orukpe claimed, having found out the truth behind Ogiamien's intrigues, he alleged that the funds include the sum of N100,000,000.00 (One Hundred Million Naira) donated to the association by Senator Adams Oshiomhole in his capacity as Governor of the State years ago, which the leader has yet accounted for.

Another leader in one of the markets, Mrs. Patience Asuen in obvious overflowing emotion, passed a 'vote of no confidence' in the leadership of the Unions; prompting the disenchanted protesters to seek intervention of the Paramount traditional ruler in the State; HRM Oba Ewuare II.

Speaking on behalf of the Benin Palace Chiefs led by Chief Isaac Oghafua Oyeoba, the Oyeoba of Benin, assured the protesters that the Oba of Benin, who is the life Patron of the Union, will ensure that justice is served.

However, previously; to prove her innocence, Blacky Ogiamien, led a procession of traditional worshippers in Benin to swear before some shrines, dedicated to the worship of deities in the Kingdom.

The embattled leader asked; that the ancestral spirits should bear witness over the allegations levelled against her, insisting that she has nothing to hide despite what she termed: the 
'conspiracy theorists' bent on blackmailing her.








Comments