Traders protest alleged illegal activities, extortion in Edo by new ‘Iye-Eki’

Traders across various markets in the three senatorial districts of Edo State have embarked on a peaceful protest over the alleged extortions, high-handedness and ill-treatment meted on them by Josephine Ibhaguezejele, the self-acclaimed market women leader mostly called “Iyeki” in the state.

The peaceful demonstration led by Lucky Orukpe, president of Traders Welfare Union, came just after weeks of her installation as replacement for madam Blacky Ogiamie who was also alleged to have gained the backing of former governor Godwin Obaseki’s administration to exploit market women and traders to the fullest.

Traders, especially at New Benin, Oba Market and Agbado demanded for the immediate removal of Josephine Ibhaguezejele as Edo market leader, insisting that her exploitative activities have caused Edo traders more harm.

The situation was same at Ekiosa market where traders expressed concern on the slow pace of reconstruction of the market which was gutted by fire in December 2019.

The traders also accused the self-acclaimed “Iyeki” for allegedly collecting sum of money ranging from N50,000, to N150,000 and other items for appointment into different positions in the market, calling on Governor Monday Okpebholo to investigate the matter.

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The protesting traders were at the state office of the Department of State Security Service and then to Edo State Government House.

Registering their protest at the Government House, Comrade Orukpe said the action of the new “Iyeki” was against the programmes and policies of the Monday Okpebholo administration with respect to the traders’ welfare.

He recalled that the governor, on resumption of office, banned all forms of illegal collections inimical to the well-being of traders and expressed shock that Josephine Ibhaguezejele is currently exploiting traders and market women across Edo state

He therefore, called on the governor and the Oba of Benin to install a new market leader that will deal with traders with the fear of God.

Receiving the protesters, on behalf of the state government, Deputy Chief of Staff, Pius Alile, assured of government’s intervention in the matter while scheduling a meeting with the market leaders.

Efforts to reach the “Iyeki”, Josephine Ibhaguezejele to react to the issues raised via phone calls proved abortive as she could not be reached on phone.