A political controversy has erupted in Edo State after Folasahde Tinubu-Ojo, the daughter of President Bola Tinubu, installed Pastor Josephine Ibhaguezejele as the new “Iyaloja” (Market Leader) on Tuesday in Benin.
The move, executed at the Government House, sparked immediate tension, culminating in the Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, unequivocally rejecting the title, declaring it “alien to the Benin Kingdom.”
During a visit by Tinubu-Ojo and her entourage on Thursday, the Oba firmly educated them on the established cultural structure of the Benin market system.
“The concept of Iyaloja is alien to us here in Benin. In Benin, you are in the home of culture; we have our culture here… The Oba does not interfere so long as the Iyeki does what is expected of her in the shrine of a particular market on behalf of the Oba. We are not going to say much except to explain to you the concept of Iyeki in Benin.”
The Oba explained that in Benin culture, each market is traditionally headed by an Iyeki, who maintains a special, culturally mandated relationship with the Palace and performs specific spiritual roles at the market’s shrine.
The controversy intensified last week when local market women protested against the choice of Ibhaguezejele, insisting that only a Benin woman could lead the markets.
- Cultural Enthusiast Patrick Osadalor dismissed the installation as an “exercise in futility.” He emphasized that without the Oba’s backing and the ability to perform the traditional rights (which a non-Benin person cannot do), the Iyaloja cannot function. “The Iyeki will remain the market heads,” he stressed.
- A resident from Edo Central offered a counterpoint, suggesting the controversy was overblown, arguing the Iyaloja would only “play a coordinating role” across the state’s markets, even if she couldn’t operate in Benin proper.
Social Media Outrage: The “Presidential” Tussle
The clash between the President’s daughter’s action and the Benin Palace’s authority ignited widespread reactions on Twitter, with many users condemning the installation as a cultural imposition and an abuse of political power.
| Reaction Theme | Sample Tweets/Sentiment |
| Cultural Insensitivity/Imposition | @Benin_Culture: “The level of cultural illiteracy is appalling. You can’t just impose a Yoruba market title in the heart of the Benin Kingdom. This is pure arrogance and disrespect to the Oba!” @CultureWatchNG: “Oba Ewuare II has spoken the final word. Benin is not Lagos. The market structure is tied to the Palace. Iyaloja is null and void here.” |
| Political Arrogance/Nepotism | @Nigerian_Wailer: “The daughter of the President thinks she can install anything anywhere because her father is in power. This is the height of impunity. No respect for local tradition, just raw political power.” @Democracy_Now: “This is what happens when you turn traditional roles into political appointments. The daughter of the President setting up a political structure in a state outside her jurisdiction.” |
| Praise for Oba Ewuare II | @Royalist_Edo: “Massive respect to the Oba of Benin for standing firm against this cultural infiltration. The throne is not political. He protected the culture of the land.” @Defender_Benin: “The Iyeki tradition is sacred. The Oba did well to educate them. Benin has its own system, and it is superior to this imposed title.” |
| Tension & Division | @MarketWoman_BN: “This has caused serious tension among the women. We protested because we need a Benin woman who understands the Iyeki’s spiritual duties. This is dividing us.” @EdoCentralVoice: “The Edo Central/North markets might accept the coordinator, but Benin City is untouchable. Why bring this political drama here?” |
| General Outrage/Criticism | @Lagosian_Observer: “First, she controls Lagos markets; now she is trying to extend her political dynasty to Edo. This is not governance; this is a hostile political takeover dressed up as a cultural ceremony.” @Africa_History: “A stark reminder of the struggle between centralized political power and entrenched traditional authority in Nigeria. The Palace won this round.” |
