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OPINION: ‘Ikhueki’, Benin Market Women Are At War!

Published

2 months ago

October 5, 2025

Editor

By Tony Erha

“Okuo na hon y’ oto ighi gb’ adowe”. A war foretold does not consume the lame; echoes a Benin idiom. What started as mere ruse and a bottled-up emotion, some months ago, had finally reached a boiling point. By hindsight, both opponents were prepared for the showdown, as things tend to manifest. Edo, the Nigeria’s heartbeat state that had been enmeshed in serial political crisis, is in another mess that is most quaking, but of a different dimension.

The amalgamated market women of Benin City, the state capital, are incensed and ‘showing their red eyes” to a daughter of Nigeria’s president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Chief Dr. Mujidat Folasade Tinubu-Ojo, the Iyaloja-General of Nigeria and the National Market Council of Nigeria, for imposing on them, Pastor Isi Ibhaguezejele, as leader of the city’s market women. Ibhaguezejele, meaning, “I lay no claims to the throne of the king”, is entangled in an alleged forceful claim to a non-existent ‘Iyaloja’ of Benin markets. She wasn’t accused of angling to preach the Bible in their market places (hence she is called a pastor), but of an intent to advance her political relevance.

“Her aspiration is unwarranted and be thwarted”, said one of the market women, Mrs. Osayi Aiwekhoe, as she recalled a popular Nigerian idiom in Pidgin English; “trouble dey sleep, yangan go wake am”.

Numerous other critics are united that the installation of Ibhaguezejele by Chief Tinubu-Ojo, is a raw show of political strength and use of her father’s presidential powers, and she came from a distant Lagos, to impose a market leader in Benin City. The market women, in their thousands, had besieged Benin streets, in protests. At the Oba Palace, His Royal Majesty, Ewuare II, Uku Akpolokpolo, the revered monarch of Benin kingdom, among other things, had voiced his disapproval for the installation of an Iyaloja into the Benin market affairs, where its tradition holds sway and an Iyeki is chosen from among Benin women and not from the outside.

MORE FROM THE AUTHOR:OPINION: Every democracy ‘Murders Itself’

“Ahenmwen ere omase ese na zo”. “Obedience is better than sacrifice”. Perhaps, if Chief Tinubu-Ojo wasn’t obstinate at installing Ibhajuezejele, she would have heeded the wise counsel of the Oba of Benin, and there would have been no crisis. Before the installation, the respected Benin monarch had cautioned her about the futility of Iyaloja for Benin markets, which is exclusive to Lagos. SaharaReporters, an investigative news media, had chronicled the episode, revealing that Chief Tinubu-Ojo had earlier written a letter on 30th April, 2024, to the Benin monarch, requesting for support to carry out the installation.

The president’s daughter wrote same letter at the same time to Mr. Godwin Obaseki, the immediate-past governor, contrary to what was said that it was to Senator Monday Okpebholo, the present governor. Governor Okpebholo was accused by the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) of being a mastermind of the installation, as a move to please President Tinubu and to work ahead by using Ibhajuezejele to muster the block votes from the market women in the 2027 presidential election, when Tinubu would have opted for re-election.

But the All Progressives Congress (APC) responded that Mr. Obaseki had worked ahead to appoint an Iyeki, who would have assisted him to firm up his plot to further deal with the Oba, as he hoped that his protégé Dr. Asue Ighodalo, would win the 2024 governorship election and finish his well-known evil scheme to reduce the huge influence of the Oba and his kingdom.

Nevertheless, it is hard to believe the PDP’s theory that a Governor Okpebholo, who is so much loved by the Oba, had orchestrated the Iyeki’s imposition in order to also slight the Edo monarch, whereas Governor Okpebholo holds him as a father-symbol and in higher esteem.

The Iyaloja crisis had rekindled the undying rivalry between the Yoruba and Benin ethnic groups, where the provenances of Benin and Lagos had always been the bone of contention. “Imposition of Iyaloja of a Lagos tradition upon the Iyeki, a Benin sphere, if upheld, would have diminishing implications on the Benin kingdom before Lagos, especially as history has it, sometimes disputably, that a Benin Oba founded Lagos.

In another flank, the Iyeki dispute has worsened the longstanding mutual distraught between the Binins and their Esan kin. Particularly, the Iyaloja imbroglio ‘has a k-leg’ (a difficult one that can’t fly), as the Edos would say, as Ibhaguezejele is from Esan, ‘the enemy’s camp’. Ibhaguezejele is from Igueben, a variant Esan community that is the closest relative to the Benins, among the Esans and the other affiliate tribal groups of the Benin suzerainty. In Esan, Igueben is about the only one that speaks a tongue closest to that of the Benin. Ironically, Igueben is often sidelined in the affairs of the Edo central senatorial district, consisting of five local government areas, including Igueben.

Being closed to Benin, Ibhaguezejele, a native of Igueben would ordinarily have had no problem becoming leader of the market women hence there isn’t much difference between Igueben and Benin. The angst of the imposition of Iyaloja and the alleged rebellion by the king of Ibhaguezejele’s town, were said to have informed the crisis. The Igueben king was said to have addressed Esan kings and the people never to pay obeisance to other monarch outside of Esan, a rude innuendo directed at the Ojirrua of Irrua and the Oba of Benin kingdom, where Igueben came from.

The imposition of leader for Edo markets that are dominated by women may seem a non-issue. Not in Edo, where women and markets are traditionally sacrosanct. It is the same thing with the almighty market men of Onitsha, Anambra State.

Edo market women definitely hold their place in a society that is otherwise male dominated. History reminds all that a despotic Oba would ‘zegbele’ if the market women performed certain rites, where the Oba refused to vacate the throne, although there are no proven cases of despotic Oba(s) who broke such checks and balances of power. But don’t ask sme the meaning of ‘zegbele’!

Such is the power the Benin market women have until modern times, more so that they are engraved in its robust history. Edo market women are a massive political force that swings block votes in elections. Politicians will dare them at their perils! If you don’t know this, the ‘humbling’ of ex-governor Adams Oshiomhole by a market widow in the ‘go and die’ scandal would jerk you.
Whilst the installation of ‘Iyaloja Ibhaguezejele’ is an aberration and affront, one wouldn’t skip mentioning some areas where the Benin market women and their leaders haven’t done well. For a group that has the traditional support of the valuable monarch of the world’s oldest kingdom and the public, it is lamentable that they play partisan politics and sometimes are mentioned in financial scandals. They are also grossly implicated in the exorbitant cost of staple food and other items, which puts Benin City as the most expensive of Nigeria’s state capitals. Despite the huge campaigns and penalties against street trading, most market women are lawbreakers who trading their wares on motor ways, thus obstructing vehicular traffic.

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FULL TEXT: Gen Musa’s Inaugural Speech As Defence Minister

Published

1 day ago

December 6, 2025

Editor

Newly appointed Defence Minister, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (rtd), on Friday, delivered his inaugural speech as he assumed office, pledging to end the shedding of innocent blood and strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture.

Here is the full speech:

FULL SPEECH: ADDRESS BY GENERAL CHRISTOPHER GWABIN MUSA (RTD), ON HIS ASSUMPTION OF OFFICE AS MINISTER OF DEFENCE.

December 5, 2025

It is with profound humility and a deep sense of responsibility that I address you today in my new capacity as the Minister of Defence of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Six weeks ago, I was in Kaki. Now, I am coming as the Minister. It can only be God. I thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for the trust and confidence you have shown in me.

I take that very seriously. For me, it is indeed a privilege and an honour, after serving 39 years in service, to come in and now be the Minister of Defence of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The love Nigerians have shown us reflects that people believe we can turn the tide.

But it is not rhetoric. It is by action. We must, firstly as Nigerians, take ownership of the responsibilities and challenges we face in our country.

It is only us who can solve the problem. It is when we agree within ourselves that we can deal with this, that we will succeed. God is with us, and He has always given us the responsibility to succeed.

This responsibility is one I accept with solemn reverence and unwavering commitment to the safety and security of our great nation, Nigeria. Let me also acknowledge the dedicated leadership of my predecessor and the relentless efforts of every one of you in this room.

When I was the Chief of Defence Staff, you gave me all the support, and I truly appreciate it. I want to assure you that coming back as Minister, we want to do more for your welfare, well-being, and the administration of the Ministry. I strongly believe in reward and accountability. You do well, you are rewarded. We take corrective measures to ensure we succeed. I don’t believe in “na so we dey do am.”

We must assess everything that we are doing and see whether we can improve it. I believe in fostering a positive workforce. We are going to listen to your challenges, and whatever we can do to address them, we will. But I count on you also to put in your best. You know your task ahead. You don’t have to wait until somebody calls you or asks you a question. Do what you are supposed to do, and that will make it easier for us as a nation.

The task of securing the nation is continuous, and I am aware that you have been holding the line with dedication. I commend you all. For decades, my life has been defined by uniform, by the ethos of service, and by sacred covenants to defend the territorial integrity and citizens of Nigeria. I therefore come to this role not as a stranger to our security challenges, but as a comrade who has been in the trenches both literally and figuratively. I’ve seen firsthand the bravery of our troops, the complexity of our threats, and the role of strategic coordination. Like I always say, no single individual can achieve this alone. No single service operator can do it. We must work as Nigerians, making Nigeria better.

Consequently, my core philosophy in ensuring the affairs of this ministry is simple: operational effectiveness through unified action and strategic foresight. Ladies and gentlemen, we cannot afford to operate in silos.

We cannot tolerate gaps between policy and execution, or between the ministry and the services. This ministry will be a powerhouse of strategic direction, enabling support, and relentless accountability. We must provide that support for our troops to continue to succeed. They are sacrificing their lives out there in the field—day and night, thunderstorm or windstorm—whatever the situation, to ensure that we, Nigerians, can go to bed and sleep well. We must continue to pray for them. We must continue to provide the necessary support.

Working as a team with other MDAs, Mr. President has made it very clear he will give us all the support we require and demands that we achieve success, which we have promised him. Within the first few weeks, we must show that we are committed: the ministry working inside, the troops working outside.

To translate this philosophy into action, my initial focus will rest on three interconnected pillars: enhancing joint operational strategy synergy. We will immediately begin a rigorous review of all theatre commands and inter-service operations. My door will be open, as always, to the Chief of Defence Staff and Service Chiefs for frank discussions on equipment, training, welfare, and strategy. Mr. President wants us to present our challenges, with the promise that they will be addressed. So it is left for us to do the needful.
Our goal is to overwhelm the adversaries with seamless jointness, not just cognition.

Welfare and Morale as a Force Multiplier

We all understand the importance of morale to our personnel and staff. We must therefore prioritise the timely provision of all necessary kits, ensure prompt payment of operational allowances, and vigorously address accommodation and medical care for our personnel and their families. Those not injured are watching how we treat the injured. If they are not taken care of properly, they will not give their best, because they will be apprehensive. Especially those who have lost their loved ones—the families want to know what will happen.

It is our responsibility to take care of them. The aspect of actions that impugn their integrity is not acceptable. We must make payments seamless. We must treat them with respect. Anybody who is laying down their life for their country deserves the highest respect, and that is what we offer. I will be very critical about that.

Intelligence-Driven and Technology-Enabled Defence

The Ministry of Defence is the strategic brain of our national defence architecture. We must therefore leverage technology for intelligence, surveillance, and recurring service. We have partners and allies ready to support us. We will reach out to them to work as a team. We will also collaborate with other security agencies. Every Nigerian is vital to the success of Nigeria. We will foster a culture where data and intelligence drive our decisions, not just experience alone. I charge the Ministry to be a catalyst for innovation and efficient resource management.

Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, I expect the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and urgency from all of us. We do not have time to waste. We will continue to hit the ground running. We must respect the human rights of Nigerians. If we make mistakes, we must take necessary action to make amends. I will always encourage candid advice and robust debates. But once a decision is taken, we must move as one united team.

There will be zero tolerance for corruption, indiscipline, or indolence. Our loyalty is to Nigeria and the Nigerian people. The President is the Commander-in-Chief; the bulk stops on his table. We must provide the support required to make Nigeria peaceful.

Shedding of innocent blood is over. Our children should go back to school. Our farmers should go back to their farms. Most of the challenges we face are not military solutions—they are issues of good governance, justice, equity, and fairness, which we will encourage. Both non-kinetic and kinetic solutions must work hand in hand. We cannot afford to fail Nigerians. Charity begins at home; if we have the mindset that we will succeed, we will.

To the Service Chiefs, I offer my full support and expect your utmost cooperation to move the Armed Forces to greater heights. To the Department Secretary and the Civil Service cadre, you are the institutional memory and the framework for our sustainability. I value your expertise and count on your diligence to translate our military objectives into actionable administrative and budgetary policies.

The road ahead is demanding and will be tough. Let us not take it for granted. But because we are Nigerians, we shall overcome. The threats we face are adaptive and complex, but I have absolute faith in the indomitable spirit of our Armed Forces and the capable minds within the Ministry. With the support and prayers we are receiving from all Nigerians, we cannot fail.

In closing, let me once again reaffirm my commitment to lead with fairness, firmness, and loyalty to our Constitution. The President is doing everything possible to ensure our success. We must play our part. The task ahead is enormous, but surmountable. We can win. We will win. The good people of Nigeria are looking up to us for results, and we must deliver immediately. I am not here to preside; I am here to lead, to walk, and to deliver alongside you. I cannot do it alone. I thank you all as I look forward to our detailed work and the tasks ahead.

God bless you all, and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Thank you.

— General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd)
Minister of Defence, Federal Republic of Nigeria

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Malami Breaks Silence On Alleged Terrorism Financing

Published

1 day ago

December 6, 2025

Editor

A former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, has broken his silence on allegations linking him to terrorism financing, dismissing the claims as baseless, misleading and politically motivated.

In a statement issued on Friday, Malami said he was compelled to respond after a publication suggested that he and several others had connections to persons described as terror suspects or alleged financiers.

Malami described the claims as “unfounded, unfair and contrary to both my record in public office and objective facts.”

The former minister stressed that he had never been accused, invited, interrogated or investigated by any security, law-enforcement or intelligence agency within or outside Nigeria for terrorism financing or any related offence.

He said: “I state clearly and unequivocally that I have never at any time been accused, invited, interrogated, investigated or charged by any security, law-enforcement, regulatory or intelligence agency—within or outside Nigeria—in respect of terrorism financing or any related offence.”

Malami noted that even the retired military officer cited as the principal source of the publication admitted that he did not accuse Malami or the other individuals of financing terrorism, but merely referenced vague “business” or “institutional” connections allegedly linked to some suspects.

He said the publication misrepresented this clarification and was politically exploited to create damaging insinuations about him.

Malami warned that normal professional or institutional engagements must not be misconstrued as evidence of supporting terrorism.

“To suggest that lawful professional or institutional engagements can be read as evidence of terrorism financing is both mischievous and unjust,” he said.

Highlighting his record, Malami listed several anti–money laundering and counter-terrorism reforms spearheaded during his tenure, including:

Establishment of the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) as an independent entity

Enactment of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022

Enactment of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022

He noted that improved inter-agency coordination under these laws contributed to Nigeria’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list.

“During my tenure, I worked to strengthen—not weaken—Nigeria’s legal and institutional framework against money laundering and the financing of terrorism,” he said.

Malami urged the media to exercise caution when reporting on sensitive national security issues, warning that careless publications can damage reputations and undermine confidence in state institutions.

He reaffirmed his commitment to the rule of law and Nigeria’s international obligations, adding that he reserves the right to seek redress against any publication that misrepresents his role in the fight against terrorism financing.

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Otuaro Pledges To Expand PAP Scholarship As Beneficiaries Bag Master’s Degrees From UK Varsities

Published

2 days ago

December 5, 2025

Editor

Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr. Dennis Otuaro, has expressed his unwavering commitment to expanding the PAP scholarship scheme.

The PAP boss made the pledge at a graduation reception for nine students who were awarded foreign post-graduate scholarships by PAP in universities in the United Kingdom.

A statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Mr Igoniko Oduma, said the successful scholars are the first graduates in the offshore post-graduate scholarship deployment to UK institutions by the PAP Administrator, Dr Dennis Otuaro, for the 2024-2025 academic session.

According to the statement, they graduated from the Anglia Ruskin University, University of Dundee and The University of Law with master’s degrees in cyber security, data science and engineering, law, construction and civil engineering management, project management, and ICT.

Otuaro disclosed in the statement that 711 undergraduate and post-graduate scholarship beneficiaries are expected to graduate from universities within Nigeria this year.

According to Otuaro, the expansion of the scholarship scheme is aimed at creating more opportunities for indigent students of Niger Delta extraction to access higher education with a view to closing the human capital development gap in the region.

Otuaro said it was for this reason he deployed 3800 beneficiaries in-country in the 2024-2025 academic year, and increased the figure to 3900 in the 2025-2026 academic session with 200 for foreign scholarships.

He said under his administration, 7700 students have been so far deployed for the PAP scholarship scheme within Nigeria in less than two years.

According to him, aince he took over, he has deployed 162 students from the region for post-graduate programmes in targeted disciplines in the UK universities.

According to him, this is in conformity with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu for the Niger Delta, who has given unprecedented support to the PAP because of his sincere love for the area.

The PAP boss said, “Our decision aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR for the Niger Delta. We will continue to create more higher educational opportunities for students from indigent backgrounds in our region.

“We are also deepening the implementation of the programme’s mandate in informal education and other areas for the sustainable peace and socio-economic advancement of the region.”

Otuaro, who congratulated the master’s graduates on their successful graduation, stressed that they completed their programmes in record time which shows the seriousness they had put into their studies.

He said they have justified the Federal Government’s investment in their education with their successful graduation, and urged other beneficiaries not to be distracted in their academic pursuits.

“We congratulate these scholars on their successful graduation. It shows that they took their studies seriously. That is what we demand of every scholarship beneficiary, whether at the undergraduate or post-graduate level”, Otuaro said.