The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, has rejected the introduction of the Iyaloja (market leader) title in Edo State, insisting that the role is not part of Benin culture.
The monarch stated this when the daughter of President Bola Tinubu and Iyaloja General of Nigeria, Mrs. Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, paid him a courtesy visit in Benin City on Thursday. Tinubu-Ojo informed the monarch that she was in the state to inaugurate Pastor Josephine Ivbazebule as Iyaloja of all markets in Edo State.
In his response, Oba Ewuare explained that the Benin Kingdom has its own traditional structure for market leadership, known as Iyeki. He said the Iyeki not only coordinates traders but also performs cultural and spiritual roles on behalf of the palace in shrines located within markets.
“Iyaloja is alien to us here in Benin. In Benin, you are in the home of culture; we have our own ways. Every Iyeki has a special relationship with the palace and plays significant cultural roles,” the monarch said.
Chief Osaro Idah, speaking on the Oba’s directive, clarified that each market in Benin—such as Oba Market and Ogiso Market—independently selects its Iyeki, who is later confirmed by the palace. He stressed that there is no concept of a “general Iyeki” overseeing all markets.
“It is not our culture to have a general Iyeki. Each market has its own leader with no authority over another. The novelty of a statewide Iyaloja is alien to Benin custom and tradition,” Idah said.
The Oba emphasized that the palace would continue to uphold Benin traditions in market administration.
