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| Oba Ewuare II |
The Benin Monarch, Oba Ewuare II, has firmly rejected the introduction of the Iyaloja title into Edo State's markets. He made this declaration when the Iyaloja General of Nigeria, Mrs. Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, visited his palace. The Oba stated that the concept is alien to Benin culture and tradition .
Mrs. Tinubu-Ojo, daughter of President Bola Tinubu, was in Benin to inaugurate a new market leadership. She visited the palace to inform the Oba of her plans and to seek his blessing . She aimed to install Pastor Josephine Ivbazebule (also reported as Josephine Ibhaguezejele) as the Iyaloja of all markets in Edo State .
In his response, Oba Ewuare II explained that Benin markets are led by a traditional system of Iyeki, not Iyaloja . He told his guest that the Iyeki have a special relationship with the palace and perform specific cultural roles. These roles include duties in the shrine located in every market, which they perform on behalf of the Oba . He emphasized that the Iyaloja system does not fit within Benin's cultural framework. "Iyaloja is alien to us here in Benin. In Benin, you are in the home of culture, we have our culture here," the monarch was reported as saying .
To further explain the cultural position, the Oba permitted Chief Osaro Idah to speak. Chief Idah detailed how the Iyeki system operates independently in each market, such as Oba Market and Ogiso Market . He stated that traders within a market select their Iyeki leader. This leader is then presented to the palace for confirmation . He stressed that the Iyeki's job goes beyond coordinating traders. It involves performing certain rituals in market shrines on behalf of the palace .
Chief Idah also clarified that having a "General" market leader is not part of Benin custom. He described the Iyaloja as a "socio-cultural thing" like other clubs . He explained that an Iyeki in one market has no authority over another market. This ensures that no single market leader controls all others . This stands in contrast to the centralized Iyaloja-General model that was being proposed.
This event highlights a significant cultural difference in how markets are traditionally managed. The Benin Kingdom maintains its ancient system of market leadership. This system is deeply connected to the palace and local customs . The Iyaloja model, more widely recognized in southwestern Nigeria, functions as a unified association for market women .
On the same day, the Edo State Government held a separate ceremony to inaugurate market leaders. The event was led by a representative of the state governor . The government expressed its commitment to supporting traders and fostering unity in marketplaces across the state . The Iyaloja General, Mrs. Tinubu-Ojo, attended this government event and commended the state for prioritizing women's empowerment . The ceremony included the installation of Pastor Josephine Ibhaguezejele as the state's market leader and various "Iye-Ekis" . The relationship between the state government's inaugurated roles and the traditional Iyeki system affirmed by the Oba was not explicitly detailed in the reports.
The Oba's clear rejection underscores the deep importance of preserving Benin's unique cultural identity and traditions. The monarchy has taken a firm stand to protect its historical systems from external influence . This situation shows the continuing relevance of traditional institutions in modern governance and social organization. The Benin Kingdom's customs remain a vital and active part of daily life and commerce in the region.