The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, has clarified the cultural structure of market leadership in the Benin Kingdom, rejecting the introduction of the “Iyaloja” title into Edo markets.
The monarch made this known when Mrs Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, daughter of President Bola Tinubu and Iyaloja General, visited his palace to inform him of her plan to inaugurate Pastor Josephine Ivbazebule as the Iyaloja of all markets in Edo State.
Speaking during the visit, Oba Ewuare II emphasised that the “Iyaloja” concept is foreign to Benin tradition. Instead, he explained that markets in Benin operate under the leadership of the Iyeki, who are selected by traders and confirmed by the palace.
“Iyaloja is alien to us here in Benin. In Benin, you are in the home of culture, we have our culture here. Do you know the role of Iyeki in Benin culture? Every Iyeki has a special relationship with the palace. Every Iyeki has a cultural role to perform inside every market,” the monarch said.
Iyeki’s cultural and spiritual roles
The Oba further stressed that the Iyeki are not only responsible for coordinating traders but also perform important cultural duties in shrines located within each market on behalf of the palace. He noted that once selected by the traders, the Iyeki must be presented to the palace for confirmation.
Palace chiefs back monarch’s stance
Chief Osaro Idah, speaking with the monarch’s permission, reiterated that the Iyeki system is deeply rooted in Benin tradition. He explained that each market operates independently under its own Iyeki, and there is no concept of a general Iyeki overseeing all markets.
“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. It is not in our culture to have a general Iyeki. The Iyeki in Oba Market has no role to play in Ogiso Market. The Oba established the market for all in society,” Idah said.
