A group of market women in Benin City, Edo State, on Tuesday praised Oba Ewuare II, the Oba of Benin, for preserving the Benin Kingdom’s unique culture and traditions.
Madam Florence Ahunwan, who led the traders to the palace, praised the Oba for explaining the Edo market women’s leadership tradition to Nigeria’s Iyaloja-General, Mrs. Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, regarding who ruled them.
The traders had rejected Pastor (Mrs.) Josephine Ibhaguezejele as Edo market leader, causing the Iyaloja-general to contact the Oba about the issue.
Ahunwan praised Oba Ewuare for his honesty and compassion toward Nigerians in defense of Edo heritage.
The traders sang praises to the Oba and thanked him for being a source of encouragement to his subjects.
Chief Osaro Idah, Benin’s Obazelu, responded on behalf of the palace and was joined by other royal chiefs in acknowledging the market women’s presence.
Idah told the group that their goodwill message would be delivered to the Oba.
He warned the market women against violence while trading at the various markets.