OBA MARKET REBIRTH: OKPEBHOLO MUST IGNORE CRITICS AND DELIVER LEGACY

 Oba market rebuilding: Why Okpebholo must ignore critics 

By John Mayaki 

Recently, unconfirmed news emerged from some hypocrites that burnt Oba market would gulp N17 billion to rebuild into an edifice befitting of a world class marketplace. For these hypocrites, since their “role-model” could not achieve it, they must discourage any other who has good intentions. And so, they speculated the cost, they imagine it was awarded for N17b and immediately, they flew the kite ostensibly, to poison the minds of the people. 

For five good years, the sponsor of these hypocrites and ex-governor Godwin Obaseki could not rebuilt the burnt Oba market. And for these five painful years, the burnt carcass has become a shame to the city or a daily monument depicting ex-governor Obaseki’s failure and betrayal even after promising to rebuilt the market. Five painful years of promises. 

It was in June 2020, when fire devoured the market that Obaseki promised the traders relief; a modern and world-class structure. He has failed to provide dignity to our traders rather Obaseki delivered empty talks, endless assessments, and photo-op site visits. The Chief-hypocrite never laid a single block. It was forbidden. 

Obaseki and his co-travellers do not border about the fate of the traders. It wasn’t necessary. The more reason the market still lies in ruins. That’s not all, the hopes of thousands of traders whose lives depend on the market also lies in ruins. But “Mr. Kill Joy” is happy about it just as his supporters who now question the cost of rebuilding it. 

Of course, they have excuses for not rebuilding it; excuses for abandoning the people to ashes and today, they are even making excuses for Governor Okpebholo but again, the shame belongs to them. That is the shame Okpebholo must dodge by doing what Obaseki failed and refused to do. Just do it, I don’t care how much. Do it. 

Mr. Governor sir, history has actually opened a new chapter for you. You now hold the red pen and with it, you determine the power to write and rewrite the story of our Dear state. Erh Sir, if you rebuilt Oba market not minding the criticism of hypocrites just as they did to the flyover project, you would have resurrected the pride of our people and bury the ghost of Obaseki’s failure once and for all. 

Your Excellency Sir, that is not all, you would have succeeded in erasing the wounds of Obaseki’s betrayal. As we speak, the wounds are still fresh and as such, unlike Obaseki, who governed with empty speeches, you must prove just as you have always done, that leadership is about empathy, action and commitment. 

That is not all Distinguished Senator and governor. Ignoring the mounting pressure from hypocrites and rebuilding the market will continue to define your political legacy. Unlike Obaseki who measured governance using the metrics of propaganda, I need you to measure yours with legacy. Built the market. You’re a procurement oriented person as a Senator, get the best and simply rebuilt with value for money. And let those who want to cry do so unhindered. It is there right to cry. 

Let me add another reason why Your Excellency must just rebuilt and deliver this market. You see, a lot of people have lost faith in government and market women are a good number of this demography. They are tired of lies dressed as promises. They want action that they can see, touch and trade from, just as we have been seeing from your administration. When you rebuild the market, you would have restored faith and trust in governance itself. This is very important Sir. 

I know you already have reasons for your decision to rebuild the market but erh Sir, am sure you also see the economic and cultural resurrection of rebuilding that market? If I say Oba market is the heartbeat of Benin’s economy and also the cultural emblem of Benin heritage, I won’t be mistaken. And so, to leave it in ruins as Obaseki and his hired critics want you to do, is to strangulate commerce and spittle on tradition. God forbid. If you rebuild the market, you would have succeeded in sparking jobs, revive trade and above all, honour the Oba’s kingdom. Don’t let never-do-wells to discourage you please. 

And above all, simply just ignore the noise about the cost. They may speculate. Let them conjure figures. They imagine vain things like people with high fever. Simply just shut them out. I mean the cynics. Because for me, no matter the price tag, the value of Oba market’s rebirth far outweighs it. The true cost would be leaving the market to rot while market women and Edo people suffer. The true cost therefore would be in the booming commerce it would bring, stronger families, higher tax revenue and of course, renewed dignity. 

I see your leadership as that put Edo first and silences critics with results. Go ahead and rebuild Oba market, Mr. Governor. Build it now. Build it big. Build it bold. Build it and etch your name in gold. Build it in Benin city  just as you’re building the road to his village. Built it where Obaseki failed and the people will remember you forever, and for good.