A group of women known as Edo South Market Women Association (EMWA), on Wednesday, September 24, protested the alleged imposition of the market leader, otherwise known as ‘Iye-eki’, on them.
The group also accused them of collecting the sum of N1.5 million to facilitate the installation of the Iye-Eki on them.
The group in a statement titled: “Iye-eki: Appeal to Reverse the Injustice, Taboo Facing our Markets in Edo State”, signed by its coordinator, Mrs. Florence Ahunwan and five others made available to journalists during their peaceful protest to the premises of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Edo State Council, in Benin, said the position of the Iye-eki is not political but sacred and exclusively preserved and reserved for a qualified woman of Benin extraction.
Mrs Ahunwan said the position can only be vacated by death or by the voluntary resignation of the occupier.
Ahunwan said it is surprising that today, a non-Benin is parading herself as the Iye-eki, making a mockery of their ancient culture and tradition.
She alleged that pastor Josephine Ibhaguezeje, with a non-Benin ancestry, who claimed to have gotten the backing of the Edo State government and the support of President Bola Tinubu’s daughter, has continued to parade herself as the Iye-eki in the state.
According to her, “Iye-eki is a not a politician, lye-eki does not carry party card, neither does she campaign of mobilize the markets to campaign for politicians-lye-eki, alongside her officers, as created by the Oba of Benin, are traditional gatekeepers of the markets In Benin City, and by extension, Edo State, who advocate for better market policies, market security, as well as monitor price of commodities to suit current economic realities, and make living easy for market women, and consumers across Edo State.
“As His Royal Majesty is aware, lye-eki is not elected, nor is she selected by any kind of public contest or nominated by a superior being, or a politician; the emergence of lye-eki is divine, sacred, spiritual, and traditional in line with the Benin tradition and custom.
which is further validated and endorsed by the Oba of Benin.
Reacting to the allegation through a telephone call, Josephine Ibhaguezejie said the protest is politically motivated. She added that those protesting are not known to the association.
