What is today known as Agbado Market in Benin City was founded during the reign of Ogiso Ere, when the land was known as Igodomigodo, around 16 CE to 66 CE, nearly 2,000 years ago. Back then, it was originally known as the Ogiso Market, one of the earliest trading centers of the kingdom.
According to oral tradition, during the Ogiso era the market was tormented by a mysterious and terrifying bird known as the Osogan Giant Bird, which disturbed traders and buyers alike. This fear gave rise to the famous saying:
“Agbayo Agbare, Agbadueki Agbayowa” –
“We go to the market or trade together, but we do not return or go home together.”
The situation became so unbearable that the community sought deliverance. It was a man named Evian, later known as the progenitor of the Ogiamien family, who rose to the challenge. He bravely slew the monstrous osogan bird, an act that earned him great honor and fame among the people of Igodomigodo.
In memory of this remarkable event, the market’s name was changed from Ogiso Market to Agbado Market, symbolizing a new beginning for the trading ground, now free from the terror of the Osogan Bird.
Through it all, it has always been the Benin/Edo women who organized, ran, and preserved the sanctity of the markets. This tradition predates even the Obaship Dynasty itself, proving that the independence of market women is as old as our civilization.
We must therefore resist every attempt to dismantle this long preserved Edo tradition for selfish interest or political gain. Today it may be an Esan woman IYALOJA imposed, but tomorrow it could be a Yoruba, Igbo, or Hausa woman IYALOJA.
OUR ANCESTORS WILL NEVER FORGIVE US!
Written by: Ancient Benin
