The Oba Market (Ęki-Óba), situated in the heart of Benin City (Ring Road), Edo State, is one of the oldest and most significant markets in the Benin Kingdom, with roots tracing back to the 15th century. Deeply connected to the palace of the Oba of Benin, the market has long served as a central trading hub for local commodities.
Over the years, Oba Market has evolved from a traditional trading post into a modern commercial centre, where millions of naira in business are transacted daily. The market contributes significantly to the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of Edo State and has become a key driver of economic growth, providing employment opportunities for countless residents and non-residents alike. Traders and business owners rely on it to support their families, improve their standards of living, and contribute to the State’s broader economy.
Historically, Oba Market has survived empires, wars, invasions, and other challenges—including devastating fires in 2020 and 2025 that threatened its very existence. On Monday, June 22, 2020, traders awoke to the tragic news that a midnight fire had razed their shops, destroying goods worth millions of naira. Firefighters struggled to contain the blaze, which raged until 10 a.m., leaving half the market in ruins.
The inferno was eventually extinguished through combined efforts from the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Air Force, Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC), University of Benin, and Federal Fire Service Zone K. Despite a visit from then-Governor Godwin Obaseki promising to rebuild the market, traders remained stranded for over five years as the market lay in ruins, with no temporary arrangements made for them to continue trading. A similar fire in December 2019 had also destroyed the Ekiosa Market and EDPA building, again without relief for victims.
During his campaign for the September 21, 2024, Edo State governorship elections, Governor Monday Okpebholo visited the devastated market and pledged to rebuild it if elected. “This devastating news is most unfortunate for the economy of Edo State, especially coming after the major Eki Osa market fire, for which the state government is yet to fulfil its promises to the victims,” he said. “When elected, we will manage the situation, identify causes, and put preventive measures in place to avoid future occurrences.”
True to his word, Gov Okpebholo commenced the reconstruction of Oba Market. Less than a year into his administration, another fire on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, threatened the market—but thanks to swift action by firefighters, only one shop was affected. This demonstrated that the Okpebholo administration had put preventive logistics and safety measures in place.
Under Gov Okpebholo’s watch, the historic Oba Market has been redesigned into a modern masterpiece. The new structure resembles a mall, featuring over 450 open stalls on the ground floor and lock-up shops upstairs for electronics, fashion, and other commercial activities. The market also includes modern safety and welfare facilities such as a mini fire station, restaurants, a crèche, 24-hour electricity supply, internet connectivity, and a primary health centre, all designed to enhance efficiency, safety, and convenience for traders and customers alike.
The governor has repeatedly emphasised that reconstructing Oba Market is about more than just rebuilding; it is about restoring hope, creating opportunities, and fostering sustainable development.
During an inspection on December 21, 2025, the project contractor, Engr. Shahid Mahmud, assured Gov Okpebholo that the market would be completed within six months, targeting June 2026. On April 1, 2026, the governor conducted an unscheduled visit, touring the market with the contractor and inspecting various sections. Engr. Mahmud confirmed that construction was 97 percent complete and announced that the market would now be ready for handover in April instead of June, thanks to additional manpower and extended work hours.
Governor Okpebholo expressed satisfaction with the progress, noting, “We promised the traders that we would rebuild this market, and today, that promise is being fulfilled. What you see here is a demonstration of that commitment.”
Oba Market is rising again as a modern commercial masterpiece, blending tradition with mall-level safety, style, and convenience. In the coming weeks, traders and business owners are expected to celebrate the official handover of the reconstructed market to the Edo State government, which will ensure proper allocation of shops to genuine traders, marking a new era of secure and productive trading in this historic marketplace.
