Oba Of Benin Rejects Tinubu’s Daughter’s Installation Of Iyaloja In Edo
The Benin Traditional Council has strongly rejected the introduction of the Iyaloja title in Edo State, describing it as alien to Benin culture and traditions.
In a statement issued on behalf of the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, and signed by six senior palace chiefs, the council expressed displeasure over the installation of Pastor Josephine Ibhaguezejele as Iyaloja of Edo State by Mrs. Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, daughter of President Bola Tinubu and leader of the national market women association.
The controversial installation, which took place at the Edo State Government House on September 30, has since generated tension and criticism across the state.
According to the palace, the concept of Iyaloja has no roots in Benin’s traditional system and represents an imposition that could set a dangerous precedent.
“Can this concept of Iyaloja be extended to Aba, Owerri, Keffi, Kaduna, Kano, Sokoto and other parts of Nigeria?” the statement queried.
The council clarified that Benin culture already recognises the Iyeki system, the indigenous market leadership structure and warned that any attempt to alter it could lead to unrest.
“In Benin, there is nothing like Iyeki general, which this Iyaloja concept seems to imply. Every Iyeki emerges among market women, is presented to the palace for confirmation, and performs spiritual functions for the well-being of the market and the palace,” the statement said.
The palace also condemned the use of market associations for political control, describing such interference as “antithetical and inimical to the essence of market tradition in Benin culture.”
“It is wrong to drag the sanctity of the Oba’s name into partisan politics. We appeal to market women and the politicians behind them to desist from such acts,” the statement added.
Market women across Benin were reported to have visited the palace to thank Oba Ewuare II for his firm stance in defending the cultural integrity of the Benin Kingdom.
The Benin Traditional Council reiterated that there is no provision for honorary market titles in Benin culture, insisting that every Iyeki is chosen by market women, confirmed by the palace, and spiritually tied to the throne.
“The palace feels that if we were duly consulted about what tradition says about the role of Iyeki in Benin, all the ensuing controversy would have been avoided,” the statement concluded.
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