Traders in the popular Osa Market also known as “Ekiosa Market” have appealed to the Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty Ewuare II, to prevail on the Edo State government to halt the planned demolition of the market.
The state government had given a two-week ultimatum to traders at Oba Market and Osa Market, both in Benin City, the state capital to relocate to other markets.
The ultimatum was issued by the state government through the leader of Edo State Market Women Association, Madam Blacky Omoregie Ogiamien, pending when the markets are rebuilt.
But the spokesperson of the traders, who staged a peaceful protest at the Oba’s Palace in Benin City, Blessing Owie said the government’s plan to demolish Osa Market would send them into indebtedness and penury having obtained loan facilities to reconstruct their shops when government’s intervention was not available after the fire disaster that engulfed the market on December 19, 2019.
She therefore appealed to Oba Ewuare II to request the state government to provide a perimeter fencing, gate and standby fire service station in the market instead of demolishing it.
The spokesperson also appealed to the Oba to send a delegation of chiefs to the market for an on-the-spot assessment of the markets in order not to leave anyone in doubt.
According to her, they were excluded from the state government N100 million livelihood support loan meant for traders who incurred losses in the disaster.
“We cry to the Palace for help as our last resort. When fire inferno occurred in Ekiosa in 2019, we lost our shops and goods. I lost four shops with goods. We hustle under the rain and sunshine, trading along the road and at times, the government taskforce came and drove us away. We had to borrow. We took loans to rebuild our shops.
“Each trader was made to pay a N20,000 levy to market security before permission was given to rebuild the shops with blocks. We also pay security and waste levies and taxes to Oredo local government area daily.
“We didn’t get support from the government; we did not benefit from the N100 million that was given to traders who lost their shops in the market fire.
“We have widows, single mothers and breadwinners amongst us.
“Our father should help us to talk to the governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, not to demolish the market. Rather, he should fence the market and provide gates for us. Our businesses are our lives and only means of survival,” Owie pleaded.
Responding on behalf of Benin Palace chiefs who received the protesters, the Ogua of Benin, Chief Uyi Okungbowa, said their grievances would be communicated to the concerned authorities.
He advised the traders to shun violence and assured them of an amicable resolution of the issues tabled by them.
We’ve got the edge. Get real-time reports, breaking scoops, and exclusive angles delivered straight to your phone. Don’t settle for stale news. Join LEADERSHIP NEWS on WhatsApp for 24/7 updates →
Join Our WhatsApp Channel
