Fatshimetrie recently witnessed a peaceful protest outside the King’s Palace in Benin, calling for the sacking of the leader of the Edo Traders Union. The traders blamed the actions of the union leadership for contributing to the rise in food prices, impacting the livelihoods of many.
The spokesperson of the Edo Traders Union, Comrade Lucky Orukpe, called for the immediate removal of the leader of the association, denouncing his high-handedness and mismanagement of funds. Orukpe claimed that the market women leader had failed to account for the N100 million donated to the association by Senator Adams Oshiomhole during his governorship.
Chief Isaac Oyeoba, speaking on behalf of the Benin Palace chiefs, assured the protesters that the Oba of Benin, the patron of the union, would ensure justice is done.
This protest raises deep questions about financial transparency within the Edo Traders Union and highlights the direct consequences of its management on the lives of residents. It is imperative that steps are taken to ensure the integrity of the organization and restore the trust of its members and the community at large.