The Benin monarch, Oba Ewuare II, has reaffirmed the traditional market leadership system in the Benin Kingdom, dismissing the concept of the Iyaloja title in Edo State markets.
Oba Ewuare II made the clarification during a meeting with Mrs. Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, daughter of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Iyaloja General of Nigeria.
Mrs. Tinubu-Ojo had visited the palace to announce her plan to inaugurate Pastor Josephine Ivbazebule as Iyaloja of all markets in Edo State.
The Oba emphasized that in Benin, the title of Iyeki not Iyaloja represents market leadership.
According to the monarch, each Iyeki is selected by market women within their respective markets and must receive confirmation from the palace before assuming duties.
“Iyaloja is alien to us here in Benin. In Benin, you are in the home of culture, we have our culture here,” Oba Ewuare said.
“Do you know the role of Iyeki in Benin culture? Every Iyeki has a special relationship with the palace and performs cultural duties in the market shrines on behalf of the Oba.
The Oba does not interfere so long as the Iyeki fulfills these roles.”
The monarch explained that the Iyeki’s responsibilities extend beyond coordinating traders; they also involve performing rituals in the shrines located within each market, reinforcing the spiritual and cultural link between market activities and the palace.
Chief Osaro Idah, authorized by the Oba to provide further clarification, added that each market has its own Iyeki. “Iyeki is independent in every market, such as Oba Market or Ogiso Market. The Iyeki does more than coordinate traders; she performs duties in the shrines on behalf of the palace,” Idah said. “The idea of a general Iyeki overseeing all markets is not part of Benin customs and tradition. That is a socio-cultural practice from outside our culture.”
Oba Ewuare’s position underscores the importance of maintaining Benin Kingdom’s cultural heritage and traditional governance systems. By reaffirming the role of the Iyeki, the monarch is ensuring that leadership in the markets remains consistent with centuries-old customs and is not influenced by external practices.
This clarification comes amid growing discussions about the role of market leadership in Nigeria’s diverse cultural settings, highlighting the need for sensitivity to local traditions in public and socio-economic appointments
