The Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, has made it clear to Mrs Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, daughter of President Bola Tinubu and the Iyaloja General of Nigeria, that the title of “Iyaloja” does not exist in Benin tradition.
The monarch spoke during her visit to the palace, where she informed him of her mission to Edo State to install Pastor Josephine Ivbazebule as the Iyaloja of all markets in the state.
Responding, the Oba asked if she understood the role of the “Iyeki,” the traditional market leader in Benin, and its deep ties to the palace.
He explained that in Benin, market leaders are chosen by the traders but must be confirmed by the palace before assuming their role.
According to him, the Iyeki is not just an organizer of market activities but also carries out specific cultural duties on behalf of the palace, including roles tied to shrines within the markets.
One of his chiefs, Osaro Idah, further explained that each market in Benin, such as Oba Market and Ogiso Market, has its own independent “Iyeki” chosen by the traders.
He stressed that the idea of a “general” leader for all markets, as implied by the Iyaloja title, is completely foreign to Benin customs.
Idah added that while Iyaloja may hold significance in Yoruba culture and social structures, it does not apply to Benin.
The Oba said, “Iyaloja is alien to us here in Benin. You are in Benin, the home of culture; we have our culture here. I have discussed this matter with my chiefs and those who are knowledgeable.
“Do you know the role of Iyeki in Benin culture? Every Iyeki has a special relationship with the palace. Are you aware of that? Do you know that every Iyeki has a cultural role to perform inside every market?
“The Oba does not interfere so long as the Iyeki does what is expected of her in the shrine of a particular market on behalf of the Oba. We are not going to say much, except to explain to you the concept of Iyeki in Benin.”
Chief Osaro Idah, whom the Oba permitted to enlighten Tinubu-Ojo, also added: “Iyeki is independent in every market, like the Oba Market, Ogiso Market, and others. The traders select their leaders from within the market. The Iyeki do more than the role of coordinating traders.
“There are certain shrines in all the markets. They play certain roles on behalf of the palace. After their selection, they bring the person to the palace for confirmation.
“The novelty of a general Iyeki is alien to Benin custom and tradition. We just believe the Iyaloja is your socio-cultural thing, like you have other clubs.
“It is not in our culture to have a general Iyeki. Iyeki is particular to each market. No one has the right to control another in a different market. The Iyeki in Oba Market has no role to play in Ogiso Market. The Oba established the market for all in the society.”
