The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, has issued a strong clarification regarding market leadership titles within the Benin Kingdom, cautioning Mrs. Folashade Ojo-Tinubu, daughter of President Bola Tinubu, against using the title “Iyaloja-General” in his domain. The monarch stressed that the title is foreign and does not exist in Benin culture.
The caution was delivered on Tuesday when Ojo-Tinubu, who holds the national recognition as the Iyaloja-General of Nigerian market women, paid a courtesy visit to the Oba’s palace in Benin City.
The Proper Title is “Iyeki,” Not “Iyaloja”
Mrs. Ojo-Tinubu, accompanied by Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo-Anani, Coordinator of the Edo State First Lady’s office, had informed the monarch that she was in the state to inaugurate Pastor (Mrs.) Josephine Isi Ibhaguezejele as the Iyeki-General of Edo State.
Responding to the visitor, Oba Ewuare II firmly stated that the proper, traditional title in Benin is Iyeki, which plays crucial administrative and cultural roles in every market. He emphasized that Benin is the home of culture where its own traditions must be upheld.
The Oba explained that every Iyeki must be selected by the market women and subsequently confirmed by the palacedue to their special relationship with the monarchy and the cultural duties they perform at market shrines.
“Novelty of General Iyeki is Alien”
The monarch authorized one of his chiefs, Chief Osaro Idah, to further clarify the palace’s position. Chief Idah explained that market leadership in Benin is localized and independent:
- Market Independence: “Iyeki is independent in every market like the Oba market, Ogiso market, and others.”
- Cultural Role: The Iyeki’s duties extend beyond coordinating traders, including performing cultural roles on behalf of the palace at specific shrines within the markets.
- No Central Authority: “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.”
Chief Idah concluded by noting that the Iyeki in one market (e.g., Oba Market) has no authority or role to play in another (e.g., Ogiso Market), reinforcing that the concept of a “General” market coordinator is not part of the Oba’s established tradition. The palace thus rejected the importation of the ‘Iyaloja’ concept into the Benin Kingdom.
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