President Bola Tinubu’s daughter, Chief Dr. Mujidat Folasade Tinubu-Ojo (FCIML), who serves as the Iyaloja-General of Nigeria and leads the National Market Council, has reached out to His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo Oba Ewuare II. In her letter dated April 30, 2024, she introduced Pastor Mrs. Josephine Isi Ibhaguezejele as the newly appointed Iyeki (market leader) of Edo State and sought the monarch’s support for her in this role.
In the letter, Folasade Tinubu-Ojo emphasized her position and lineage, stating, “Your Majesty, my name is Chief Dr. Mujidat Folasade Tinubu-Ojo (FCIML), the Iyaloja-General of Nigeria, and the First Daughter of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR).” She continued by introducing Pastor Mrs. Josephine Isi Ibhaguezejele as the Edo State Iyeki-Elect, highlighting that it would be her duty to oversee the daily activities of traders within the state.
She further appealed to the Oba, saying, “Your Majesty, I humbly request that you give your daughter every necessary backing to succeed in this great and noble assignment as I look forward to your fatherly blessing for her to be fruitful in her newly assigned responsibilities.”
However, the appointment of Pastor Ibhaguezejele has been met with resistance. In January, shortly after her installation, traders from various markets across Edo State’s three senatorial districts organized protests against her leadership. They accused her of extortion and mistreatment. Additionally, some residents opposed her appointment on the grounds that she is Esan and not Bini.
Tensions have escalated among market women in Edo South, with allegations that Mrs. Ibhaguezejele has unilaterally dismissed existing market leaders in the region. The affected leaders claim that she justified her actions by citing directives from the Oba of Benin and the Edo State Governor, Mr. Monday Okpebholo.
The controversy intensified when Mrs. Ibhaguezejele reportedly announced the replacement of all market women leaders in Edo South, attributing the decision to orders from the Oba and the governor. The Edo State Market Women Association, which has been in existence for over 52 years, asserted that a market leader can only be replaced upon their death, following a traditional hierarchy where the second-in-command assumes leadership.
The association’s leaders emphasized their adherence to Benin traditions and their deep respect for the Oba. They expressed a desire to avoid actions that might provoke the monarch but indicated that if the situation deteriorates, they hope to seek his counsel as a father figure.
They cautioned Mrs. Ibhaguezejele against attempts to unseat market leaders, warning that such actions could lead to conflicts beyond her control. The leaders advised their members, known as ‘Iyeki,’ to refrain from engaging in confrontations, emphasizing that rightful positions should not require a struggle to maintain.
The association clarified that it is not a political organization and appealed to both the Oba of Benin and the Edo State governor to convene a meeting where all stakeholders can voice their concerns. They urged the authorities to address the actions of Mrs. Ibhaguezejele and others involved to prevent further crises within the markets.
In response, Mrs. Ibhaguezejele alleged that market women in Edo South have refused to collaborate with her, insisting that they only recognize Governor Godwin Obaseki. She claimed that the ongoing legal disputes between the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have further complicated the situation.
She recounted, “When I met some of the Iyeki, they told me they do not recognize me as the new leader and that they will not work with me because they support former Governor Obaseki. They also said that APC and PDP are in court.”
Mrs. Ibhaguezejele stated that due to their refusal to cooperate, she decided to appoint individuals she could work with. She denied arresting anyone and clarified that it was the government that disbanded the market union. She urged the market women to comply with the state government, emphasizing that she represents the government in the market sector.
For more updates, join our WhatsApp channel: