Edo market women hail Oba of Benin for rejecting Iyaloja-General

By Imelda Osayande

A group of market women in Benin metropolis on Tuesday lauded Oba Ewuare II, the Oba of Benin, for rejecting plan by the daughter of the president, Mrs Folasahde Tinubu-Ojo to install one Pastor (Mrs) Josephine Ibhaguezejele as Iyaloja-General, the market leader in Edo state.

Oba of Benin had during a recent visit of Mrs Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, the Iyaloja-General of Nigeria to his palace said the Benin culture did not recognise installation of Iyaloja-General in markets in the city.

The traders had turned down plan by Folashade-Ojo to install Pastor (Mrs) Josephine Ibhaguezejele as Edo market leader, prompting the Iyaloja-general to visit the Oba over the matter.

The market women hailed the Oba for explaining Edo market women leadership tradition to Mrs Folashade Tinubu-Ojo.

Madam Florence Ahunwan, who led the women to the palace, hailed the Oba for upholding the rich culture and tradition of the Benin Kingdom.

Ahunwan showered praises on Oba Ewuare for his truth and goodwill to Nigerians in defence of Edo heritage.

The market women sang praises of the Oba and thanked him for being a beacon of support to his subjects.

Responding on behalf of the palace, Chief Osaro Idah, the Obazelu of Benin, joined by other palace chiefs acknowledged the visit by the market women.

Idah assured the group that their goodwill message would be communicated to the Oba .

He cautioned the market women against violence while carrying out their trade at the various markets. (NAN)