Oba of Benin Warns Folashade Ojo-Tinubu: ‘Iyaloja-General Title Does Not Exist in Benin’
By Kamal Yalwa October 1, 2025 | Benin City
The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, has cautioned Mrs. Folashade Ojo-Tinubu, daughter of President Bola Tinubu, against referring to herself as Iyaloja-General within the Benin Kingdom, stressing that the title is foreign to Benin culture and traditions.
The monarch issued the clarification on Tuesday when Ojo-Tinubu, who is nationally recognised as the Iyaloja-General of Nigerian market women, paid a courtesy visit to his palace in Benin City.
During the visit, Ojo-Tinubu informed the monarch that she was in Edo State to inaugurate Pastor (Mrs.) Josephine Isi Ibhaguezejele as the Iyeki-General of the state.
Responding, Oba Ewuare II explained that the correct title in Benin tradition is Iyeki — not Iyaloja. He noted that the Iyeki plays both administrative and cultural roles in every market and must be selected by traders before being confirmed by the palace.
“The title of Iyaloja is foreign to Benin. Here, our markets have Iyeki, who serve not just as leaders of traders but also perform cultural duties tied to shrines within the markets,” the monarch said.
The Oba stressed that Benin remains the custodian of its unique cultural heritage and cannot adopt external titles or practices that conflict with its traditions. He revealed that the matter had been discussed extensively with his chiefs and other knowledgeable persons.
To further clarify, Chief Osaro Idah, speaking on behalf of the palace, explained that each market has its own independent Iyeki, such as in Oba Market or Ogiso Market, and none holds authority over the other.
“The novelty of a ‘General Iyeki’ is alien to Benin custom. Iyeki is particular to each market. After selection by the traders, the person is brought to the palace for confirmation. The Iyeki does more than coordinate traders; they also perform roles in shrines on behalf of the palace,” he said.
He added that while the Iyaloja may be recognised in Yoruba land and other parts of Nigeria, it has no place in Benin culture, where traditional institutions remain firmly rooted in ancestral practices.
