The President of the Edo State Market Women Association (ESMWA), Madam Blacky Ogiamen, has denied allegations that she received N200 million from the administration of former Edo Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, during his tenure in 2013.
In a press briefing at Ekiosa Market in Benin City, Madam Ogiamen also refuted claims of involvement in burning a section of the market.
Flanked by market leaders from across Edo State’s three senatorial districts, Ogiamen accused Oshiomhole of spreading falsehoods to tarnish her reputation for political reasons.
She claimed that during a recent All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship campaign rally, Oshiomhole had falsely stated that his administration had given her N200 million on behalf of the ESMWA and that she had instigated the burning of the market.
Ogiamen clarified that in 2013, Oshiomhole’s administration donated N100 million to the association during its end-of-year ceremony, not to her personally.
She said the money was deposited into the association’s Zenith Bank account and was distributed among members who attended the event.
According to her, the distribution was led by the Late Madam Atiti Awerioba, alongside other market leaders.
Refuting Oshiomhole’s accusations, Ogiamen stated, “He wants to tarnish my name because of politics. I did not burn any market nor send anybody to do so. He never gave me any money on behalf of the association, let alone 200 million Naira. He lied against me.”
To prove her innocence, Ogiamen said, “We are here this morning to swear that if what he said about me is true, this juju should go after anybody that is lying against me.”
Market leaders from Ikpoba-Okha, Esan West, Ovia South-West, and Ovia North-East, as well as the association’s Special Adviser, Madam Christina Omokaro, supported Ogiamen’s stance, confirming that the funds had been properly distributed among the association’s members.
