The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, has cautioned Mrs. Folashade Ojo-Tinubu, daughter of President Bola Tinubu, against identifying herself as Iyaloja-General within the Benin Kingdom, stressing that the title does not exist in Benin tradition.
The monarch made the clarification during Ojo-Tinubu’s courtesy visit to his palace in Benin City. Ojo-Tinubu, who is nationally recognised as the Iyaloja-General of Nigerian market women, was in Edo to inaugurate Pastor (Mrs.) Josephine Isi Ibhaguezejele as the Iyeki-General of the state. She was accompanied by Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo-Anani, coordinator of the Edo State First Lady’s office.
Responding, Oba Ewuare II explained that the correct title within Benin custom is Iyeki, not Iyaloja. He emphasised that the Iyeki has both administrative and cultural responsibilities in markets and must be confirmed by the palace after being chosen by traders.
“Iyaloja is foreign to Benin. Here, we have Iyeki. Benin is the custodian of culture, and our traditions must be upheld,” the monarch declared, noting that he had already consulted his chiefs and elders on the matter.
To provide further clarity, Chief Osaro Idah, speaking on behalf of the Oba, said every market in Benin has its own Iyeki, such as those in Oba Market or Ogiso Market.
“The Iyeki is independent in each market. Traders select their leaders, who then perform cultural duties at shrines within the markets. After their selection, they are presented to the palace for confirmation,” Idah explained.
He stressed that the concept of a “general Iyeki” is alien to Benin tradition:
“No one Iyeki controls another. The Iyeki of Oba Market has no authority in Ogiso Market. The title of Iyaloja may have meaning elsewhere, but here in Benin, it is not part of our culture.”
The Oba reiterated that Benin institutions remain rooted in tradition and should not be conflated with socio-cultural practices from other regions.
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