The Benin Traditional Council has issued a stern directive against the growing politicization of market leadership, specifically rejecting the introduction of the Yoruba title ‘Iyaloja’ within the Benin Kingdom, which it asserts is “alien to Benin culture.”
In a statement released on Wednesday, the council expressed strong disapproval of using trade associations to manage open markets or engage in partisan politics, describing the practice as detrimental to the intrinsic values of Benin’s traditional market system.
The controversy is directly linked to the actions of Mrs. Folashade Ojo-Tinubu, daughter of President Bola Tinubu and the self-styled ‘Iyaloja-General of Nigeria,’ who recently attempted to install a market leader with the title ‘Iyaloja’ in Edo State. This move sparked significant local tension and was seen by many as an imposition of a non-indigenous structure and a politically motivated attempt to extend influence into the traditional, spiritual, and commercial spaces of the kingdom.
Upholding the Benin Traditional System (Iyeki)
The revered Benin monarch, His Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare II, clarified that the legitimate and authentic market leader in Benin culture is the ‘Iyeki.’
- The Iyeki is the traditional market leader, chosen by the market women themselves and subsequently presented to the Palace for confirmation and installation. Oba Ewuare II underscored that the Iyeki performs essential spiritual functions for the Palace and for the well-being of the market, in addition to administrative duties. Every Iyeki is “culturally, spiritually, and religiously tied to the Palace.”
- Each market in the Benin Kingdom has its own independent Iyeki, and the idea of a ‘General Iyeki’ or a general market leader for all of Edo State is contrary to Benin custom and tradition.
- Call for Non-Partisanship: The council strongly advised that the function of the Iyeki “should not be politicised,” warning that “any deviation from this age-old cultural system may lead to a breach of peace.”
Observing that markets are increasingly becoming a tool for partisan politicians, the Palace appealed to all market women and politicians to refrain from dragging the sanctity of the Oba’s name into political affairs. The Palace also summoned all existing Iyekis to appear before it on Thursday for further clarifications on their roles.
While reiterating its support for the state and federal administrations, the Benin Traditional Council urged the governor and president not to allow market women’s politics to distract them from their official duties.
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