- Oba Ewuare II of Benin has clarified the traditional leadership structure of markets in the Benin Kingdom.
- He rejected the introduction of the “Iyaloja” title in Edo State.
- The clarification was made during a visit from Mrs. Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, daughter of President Bola Tinubu.
The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, has clarified the traditional leadership structure of markets in the Benin Kingdom, rejecting the introduction of the “Iyaloja” title in Edo State.
This came during a courtesy visit to the palace by Mrs. Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, daughter of President Bola Tinubu and Iyaloja General, who informed the monarch of her intention to inaugurate Pastor Josephine Ivbazebule as the Iyaloja of all markets in Edo.
Oba Ewuare II stressed that the title of Iyaloja does not exist in Benin culture. Instead, he explained that market leadership is vested in the Iyeki, selected by traders and confirmed by the palace.
“Iyaloja is alien to us here in Benin. In Benin, you are in the home of culture, we have our culture here. Do you know the role of Iyeki in Benin culture? Every Iyeki has a special relationship with the palace. Every Iyeki has a cultural role to perform inside every market,” the Oba said.
He further explained that beyond supervising trading activities, the Iyeki also carry out cultural and spiritual duties at shrines within the markets on behalf of the palace. Once chosen by traders, they must be presented to the palace for approval.
With the monarch’s permission, Chief Osaro Idah reinforced the point, noting that the Iyeki system is deeply rooted in Benin customs. According to him, each market is autonomous and operates under its own Iyeki, without a general leader.
“The novelty of general Iyeki is alien to Benin custom and tradition. We just believe the Iyaloja is your socio-cultural thing like you have other clubs. It is not in our culture to have a general Iyeki. The Iyeki in Oba Market has no role to play in Ogiso Market. The Oba established the market for all in society,” Idah stated.
The monarch’s clarification reaffirms Benin’s cultural identity and underscores the independence of its market leadership traditions.
