Hon. Edosa Richard Restores Calm in Ogiso Market, Pledges Ongoing Support
House of Assembly Member representing Oredo West Intervenes in Ogiso Market Crisis, Calls for Peace and Sanitation Reform
In response to rising tension among traders at the New Market, popularly known as Ogiso Market in Oredo Ward 8, the Honourable Member representing Oredo West Constituency on Monday visited the market to address lingering disputes and sanitation concerns.
The visit follows weeks of internal disagreements among traders over market leadership and growing complaints about poor hygiene conditions. There have also been murmurs of political interference in market affairs, a development that has further deepened division among stakeholders.
Speaking during the visit, the lawmaker called for calm and urged market leaders, elders, and stakeholders to prioritise peace and cooperation over personal interest.
“I came here today to listen to your concerns and ensure that we resolve these issues amicably,” he said. “I thank God Almighty for making it possible for all key players to honour this call for dialogue.”
The meeting, which was held within the market premises, brought together executives of various market unions, community elders, and concerned traders. Participants were allowed to air their grievances and propose solutions to the current challenges facing the market.
On the issue of sanitation, the lawmaker expressed displeasure over the unhygienic state of the market and promised to liaise with the relevant agencies to improve waste management and general cleanliness in the area.
He also warned against the politicisation of market leadership, stressing that economic spaces should not be turned into battlegrounds for political interests.
“As your representative, I am committed to fostering peace, promoting development, and ensuring that every trader operates in a safe and enabling environment,” he added.
Some market leaders who spoke at the event welcomed the intervention and pledged to work with the lawmaker to restore harmony in the market.
The visit ended with a resolution to set up a joint committee comprising market leaders and community representatives to oversee ongoing dialogue and monitor sanitation efforts.
Ogiso Market remains one of the busiest trading hubs in Benin City, serving thousands of residents daily. Stakeholders say sustained peace in the market is critical to local economic growth.
