Oba of Benin Rejects Iyaloja Title, Affirms Traditional Market Leadership By Iyeki
The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, has rejected the introduction of the “Iyaloja” title into Edo markets, affirming that market leadership in the Benin Kingdom follows a traditional structure led by the Iyeki. The monarch made his stance known during a palace visit by Mrs. Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, daughter of President Bola Tinubu and the Iyaloja General, who came to brief him on plans to inaugurate Pastor Josephine Ivbazebule as the Iyaloja of all Edo State markets. Oba Ewuare II emphasized that the concept of “Iyaloja” is foreign to Benin culture. In the kingdom, each market is led by an Iyeki, selected by traders and formally confirmed by the palace. “Iyaloja is alien to us here in Benin. In Benin, you are in the home of culture. Every Iyeki has a special relationship with the palace and plays a cultural role within their market,” the Oba said. He added that Iyeki are responsible not only for coordinating traders but also for performing cultural duties in shrines within each market on behalf of the palace. Once chosen by traders, each Iyeki must be presented to the palace for official confirmation. Chief Osaro Idah, speaking with the Oba’s approval, reinforced that the Iyeki system is central to Benin tradition. Each market operates independently under its own Iyeki, and there is no overarching general Iyeki. “The idea of a general Iyeki is alien to Benin custom. While Iyaloja exists elsewhere as a socio-cultural title, it is not part of our culture. The Iyeki in Oba Market does not oversee Ogiso Market. Each market was established for all members of society,” Idah explained.