The Benin Traditional Council has expressed strong opposition to the recent introduction of the Iyaloja title in Edo State, describing it as a concept foreign to Benin customs and traditions.
In a statement issued on behalf of the Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty Oba Ewuare II, and signed by six senior palace chiefs, the council said it was unaware of the motive behind the installation of Pastor Josephine Ibhaguezejele as Iyalojaby Mrs. Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, daughter of President Bola Tinubu.
The installation ceremony, which took place at the Edo State Government House on September 30, has sparked widespread debate and tension across the state.
‘Iyaloja’ Alien to Benin Tradition
The Benin Traditional Council questioned the introduction of a non-indigenous market leadership title into Edo, warning that it could set a divisive precedent.
“Can this concept of Iyaloja be extended to Aba, Owerri, Keffi, Kaduna, Kano, Sokoto, and other parts of Nigeria?” the statement asked, emphasizing that Edo traditions already recognize the Iyeki system, which governs market affairs in the Benin Kingdom.
The palace cautioned that any attempt to replace or alter the Iyeki institution could lead to a breach of peace and cultural disunity.
Market Women Back Oba’s Stance
On Monday, market women from across Benin reportedly visited the Oba’s palace to show appreciation for the monarch’s firm rejection of the Iyaloja title, pledging their continued loyalty to traditional Benin structures.
The statement further denounced the use of market associations for political or partisan purposes, describing such practices as “antithetical and inimical to the essence of market tradition in Benin culture.”
“It is worrisome that market women are being used as pawns in political battles under the guise of associations,” the council said. “We appeal to the market women and the politicians behind them to stop dragging the sanctity of the Oba’s name into partisan politics.”
Palace Clarifies Role of ‘Iyeki’
Explaining the traditional process, the council reiterated that Iyeki — not Iyaloja — is the legitimate market leadership institution in Benin.
“In Benin, there is nothing like ‘Iyeki General,’ which this Iyaloja concept seems to imply,” the statement read. “Each Iyeki is chosen by market women, presented to the Palace for confirmation, and then installed. Every Iyeki operates independently but remains culturally, spiritually, and religiously tied to the Palace.”
The statement added that there is no honorary Iyeki title in Benin culture and urged that the institution should not be politicized.
“Every Iyeki has a spiritual function she performs for the Palace and for the well-being of the market,” the council said. “We strongly advise that the role of Iyeki should not be politicised.”
Reaffirming the Palace’s position, the council concluded that if it had been duly consulted, “all the ensuing controversy and tension would have been avoided.”