“Iyaloja Has No Place Here”–Oba of Benin Rebuffs President Tinubu’s Daughter

‎The Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, has made it clear to Mrs Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, daughter of President Bola Tinubu and the Iyaloja General of Nigeria, that the title of “Iyaloja” does not exist in Benin tradition.
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‎The monarch spoke during her visit to the palace, where she informed him of her mission to Edo State to install Pastor Josephine Ivbazebule as the Iyaloja of all markets in the state.
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‎Responding, the Oba asked if she understood the role of the “Iyeki,” the traditional market leader in Benin, and its deep ties to the palace.
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‎He explained that in Benin, market leaders are chosen by the traders but must be confirmed by the palace before assuming their role.
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‎According to him, the Iyeki is not just an organizer of market activities but also carries out specific cultural duties on behalf of the palace, including roles tied to shrines within the markets.
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One of his chiefs, Osaro Idah, further explained that each market in Benin, such as Oba Market and Ogiso Market, has its own independent “Iyeki” chosen by the traders.
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‎He stressed that the idea of a “general” leader for all markets, as implied by the Iyaloja title, is completely foreign to Benin customs.
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‎Idah added that while Iyaloja may hold significance in Yoruba culture and social structures, it does not apply to Benin.