Key Points

• Benin Palace Iyaloja controversy reaffirms Benin’s cultural integrity.

• Oba Ewuare II ends external political influence in Edo markets.

• The sacred Iyeki system remains the foundation of market leadership.

The Benin Kingdom has shut down attempts to impose the title of Iyaloja — a term rooted in Yoruba culture — on Edo markets.

The move followed the inauguration of an “Edo Iyaloja” led by Pastor Josephine Ibhaguezejele and endorsed by Mrs. Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, daughter of President Bola Tinubu.

The group had written to both the palace and the Edo State Government months before the ceremony.

They introduced Ibhaguezejele as “Iyeki-elect” under the National Market Council of Nigeria (NAMCOM). However, neither institution replied.

When the delegation later visited the palace, Oba Ewuare II made it clear that the Iyaloja-General title was alien to Benin tradition.

He said market leadership in Benin is rooted in the indigenous Iyeki system — a structure where market women choose their leaders and bring them to the palace for confirmation, not politicians.

Oba Ewuare II emphasized that no single woman controls all markets in the Benin Kingdom.

Each market has its own Iyeki, chosen by traders and later blessed by the palace.

He ordered that markets with rival leaders loyal to political factions should dissolve both groups and conduct fresh elections.

“The Iyeki system is sacred and community-based,” the monarch said. “Every market leader connects spiritually to the palace and cannot be imposed from outside.”

The Benin Traditional Council (BTC) also released a statement signed by senior chiefs — including Chief Norense Ozigbo-Esere and BTC Secretary Frank Irabor — reaffirming that the Iyeki-General or Iyaloja-General concept does not exist in Benin culture.

Palace warns against politicising Edo markets

The BTC warned that attempts to politicise the traditional market structure could create unrest.

“For the avoidance of doubt, in Benin, there is nothing like Iyeki-General, which the Iyaloja concept implies,” the statement said.

“Each Iyeki is independent, culturally and spiritually tied to the palace. Any deviation from this system may lead to a breach of peace,” the council cautioned.

The palace also questioned the motive behind introducing the Yoruba-style Iyaloja structure to Edo.

It challenged proponents to explain why a Benin woman could not hold the same position in Lagos or other Nigerian states if the system were truly national.

Cultural divide deepens over Benin Palace Iyaloja controversy

The controversy triggered protests across Benin City as the Edo State Market Women Association rejected Ibhaguezejele’s installation.

The women said the move was an “injustice” and violated Benin tradition, which requires a native-born woman to lead market affairs.

Some palace insiders allegedly supported Ibhaguezejele for political or personal benefit. Yet observers said the Oba’s firm decision restored calm and reaffirmed the kingdom’s cultural integrity.

Ibhaguezejele dismissed the protests as politically motivated. She argued that her appointment was lawful and claimed her opponents were not recognized members of her association.

Tradition over politics: the Oba’s decisive action

Oba Ewuare II’s intervention effectively ended the “Iyaloja” politics in Edo markets. He reminded stakeholders that Benin’s customs do not recognize honorary or politically created market titles.

“Every Iyeki performs spiritual duties to the palace and the market,” the monarch reiterated.

“The palace does not choose leaders — the market women do.”

Market women and cultural groups have praised the Oba’s stance. They said it protects Benin’s heritage from external political influence and ensures that markets remain community-driven and apolitical.