A wave of protest swept through the major markets of Benin City on Friday as thousands of market women united in strong opposition. They are challenging the reported installation of a woman named Pastor Josephine Ibhaguezejele, also known as “Otagbogbo,” as the overall leader of their markets. The women gathered in significant numbers at key trading hubs including Oka, Ekiosa, and New Benin markets to make their voices heard.
At the heart of their anger is a firm belief that the title “Iyaloja” is not a part of their own Benin tradition. The protesting women insist this is a foreign name and custom being forced upon them. They see this move as a disregard for their cultural heritage and an attempt to impose an outsider into a position of authority over their long-standing market systems.
The demonstrations were not a single event but a coordinated action across the city. From Ogiso to Uselu market, the scene was the same: determined women standing together. Their message was clear and direct—they will not accept a leader they did not choose, especially one given a title they say does not belong to their people.
Firm in their resolve, the market women have sent a powerful message to those behind the move. They are defending what they say is their rightful tradition and have vowed to continue their protest until the issue is resolved. The unity shown across the markets signals a deep-seated resistance that cannot be easily ignored.
