Oba of Benin Rejects ‘Iyaloja’ Title Cited by Tinubu’s Daughter

Benin City, Edo State — The Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty Ewuare II, has firmly rejected the notion of the ‘Iyaloja’ title as it has been presented by Mrs. Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, daughter of President Bola Tinubu and the nationally recognized Iyaloja General of Nigerian market women. The monarch declared that the concept of “Iyaloja” is foreign and alien to the rich cultural traditions of the Benin Kingdom.

Mrs. Tinubu-Ojo visited the Oba’s palace to announce her inauguration of Pastor Josephine Ivbazebule as the Iyaloja of all markets in Edo State. However, the Oba took the opportunity to enlighten her that the Benin Kingdom operates under a distinct traditional framework wherein the leadership of market women is represented by the title “Iyeki,” not Iyaloja.

Oba Ewuare II explained that the Iyeki is a market leader who is first selected by the market women and subsequently confirmed by the palace. The Iyeki carries out both administrative and deeply rooted cultural and spiritual roles on behalf of the Oba in every market, including involvement in shrines located within the markets. These duties underscore the Iyeki’s special and sacred relationship with the Oba’s palace.

The monarch emphasized, “Iyaloja is alien to us here in Benin. We have our own culture and customs. Every Iyeki has a particular market they represent, and no one controls a different market,” further explaining that the title of a general Iyeki, overseeing multiple markets, does not exist in Benin tradition.

Chief Osaro Idah, speaking with the Oba’s permission, reiterated that the Iyeki serves independently in markets like Oba Market and Ogiso Market, performing beyond mere coordination of traders by upholding cultural responsibilities tied to the palace. He stressed that the imposition of a general Iyaloja is a socio-cultural concept not native to Benin culture, akin to social clubs, and is therefore unacceptable.

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Market women associations within Edo have also voiced opposition to the imposition of leadership by Mrs. Tinubu-Ojo, emphasizing the importance of respecting indigenous market leadership structures to maintain peace and order in the markets.

This clear rebuke by the Oba of Benin underscores the significance of respecting local traditions and cultural heritage, particularly in a kingdom renowned as the home of culture in Edo State and Nigeria at large.

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