By Ayo Kehinde
The Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty Oba Ewuare II, has rejected the use of the title Iyaloja in Edo State, describing it as foreign to Benin tradition and without roots in the kingdom’s cultural heritage.
The monarch made the declaration on Tuesday at his palace in Benin City while receiving Mrs Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, daughter of President Bola Tinubu and leader of the Lagos market women.
She was accompanied by Mrs Edesiri Okpebholo-Anani, Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, Edo State, who presented Pastor (Mrs) Josephine Ebhaguejezele as Iyaloja-General of Edo State.
Oba Ewuare II stressed that the Benin Kingdom already has a traditional structure for market leadership known as the Iyeki system, which is linked to the palace and central to ancestral heritage.
He cautioned against introducing foreign titles such as Iyaloja, insisting they do not represent Edo identity.
“Iyaloja is alien to us here in Benin. You are in Benin, the home of culture; we have our culture here. I have discussed this matter with my chiefs and those knowledgeable. We must protect the sanctity of our heritage,” the monarch said.
Explaining further through Chief Osaro Idah, the Oba said the Iyeki is selected by traders within each market and later confirmed by the palace.
Aside from coordinating traders’ affairs, the Iyeki performs cultural and spiritual roles tied to shrines located in the markets.
“The novelty of a general Iyeki is alien to Benin custom. Iyeki is particular to each market. No one has the right to control another in a different market. The Iyeki in Oba Market has no role in Ogiso Market. The Oba established markets for the entire society,” he stated.
In her response, Mrs Tinubu-Ojo clarified that her visit was not to impose the Iyaloja-General title on Edo State but to pay homage to the monarch and seek his blessings.
“I am not here to appoint myself or anyone as Iyaloja in Benin. I came to pay homage to our father, the great Oba of Benin, and to seek his prayers. I respect the Benin culture and its institutions,” she said.
Meanwhile, Pastor Josephine Ebhaguejezele has been inaugurated as the new Iyeki-General of the Edo Market Women Association, a development that has stirred fresh tension in the state.
