THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC HISTORY OF OBA MARKET UP TO 2000

ABSTRACT

This project examine the impact of the socio-economic history of oba market up to 2000. The objectives of the study were to examine the historical background and the socio-economic activities in Oba market in the post-colonial period;to investigates the various aspects of Oba market; to examine the nature and operation mode of market Association in Oba market.

This study adopted historical research methodology. It employed primary and secondary sources were conducted to furnish this work with detailed historical analysis. Primary Sources: Primary sources the conduct of oral interviews with the market women at Oba market. Oral interview will be conducted with consumers and ordinary people in Oba market.  Secondary Sources: Secondary sources comprised textbooks, articles in journals, articles in edited books, media sources. The secondary data were obtained from the Edo State Library and University of Benin. The primary and secondary sources were critically analyzed using historical narrative.

This work has been able to examine the impact of market women association in the economy of Benin, with particular reference to the Ediaken, Eki-Oba and Oregbeni Market Women Association. The study also tackles the place of market women in the socio-political and economic life of the society from the early period to the present which has aroused a wide range of interests amongst scholars and writers in recent times. This research work went further to examine the antecedence of Ediaken, Eki-Oba and Oregbeni market and the establishment of various association in the market.