Oba of Benin to Tinubu’s Daughter: ‘Iyaloja Concept is Alien to Our Culture’

During a recent visit to the palace, Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, firmly addressed Mrs. Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, the Iyaloja-General of Nigeria and daughter of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stating that the “Iyaloja” market leadership system is foreign to Benin’s traditions. Tinubu-Ojo had traveled to Edo State to inaugurate Pastor Josephine Ivbazebule as the Iyaloja of all markets in the state.

The Oba clarified that in the Benin Kingdom, market leadership falls under the authority of the “Iyeki,” a position deeply connected to the palace and rooted in cultural practices. He explained that the Iyeki, unlike the Yoruba concept of Iyaloja, is specific to individual markets and plays vital roles, including overseeing shrines and performing ceremonial duties on behalf of the Oba.

He remarked, _“The novelty of a general Iyeki is alien to Benin custom and tradition. Iyeki leaders are chosen by traders within each market and must be confirmed by the palace. No one leader controls multiple markets.”_ The Oba emphasized that Benin’s rich cultural heritage must be respected and protected from external influences.

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The exchange highlights the tension between traditional practices and modern attempts to unify market leadership under a broader framework. The Oba’s stance reflects the importance of preserving Benin’s unique customs while maintaining harmony among stakeholders.