Edo On Fire: Oba Of Benin Clashes With Tinubu’s Daughter Over Market Leadership

The Benin Traditional Council has voiced strong opposition to the recent introduction of the Iyaloja title in Edo State, describing it as alien to Benin customs and traditions.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

In a statement issued on behalf of the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, and signed by six senior palace chiefs, the council said it was yet to understand the motive behind the installation of Pastor Josephine Ibhaguezejele as Iyaloja by Mrs. Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, daughter of President Bola Tinubu.

The installation, held on September 30 at the Edo State Government House, has stirred tension and controversy across the state.

The palace questioned why a non-indigenous title was being introduced into Edo, warning that it could set a troubling precedent. “Can this concept of Iyaloja be extended to Aba, Owerri, Keffi, Kaduna, Kano, Sokoto and other parts of Nigeria?” the council asked.

According to the statement, Edo tradition already recognises the Iyeki system, and any attempt to undermine or replace it could disrupt peace.

On Monday, market women in Benin visited the Oba’s palace to show appreciation for his firm rejection of the title, reaffirming their loyalty to Benin cultural values.

The council also criticised the politicisation of market associations, warning that they were increasingly being used to control open markets and drive partisan agendas. “It is antithetical and inimical to the essence of market tradition in Benin culture,” the palace said.

The statement emphasised that in Benin culture, Iyekis are chosen by market women, then confirmed by the palace. Each Iyeki functions independently but maintains a spiritual and cultural link to the Oba. Importantly, there is “no such thing as an honorary Iyeki or Iyeki general” in Benin tradition.

The palace further advised against politicising the Iyeki institution:
“Every Iyeki has a spiritual duty she performs for the palace and for the well-being of the market. We strongly advise that the role of Iyeki should not be politicised.”

Concluding, the council expressed disappointment that it was not consulted before the installation. “If the palace had been duly consulted on what tradition says about Iyeki, this entire controversy could have been avoided,” it declared.