A group of market women in Benin, Edo State, has publicly expressed solidarity with the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, in the controversy surrounding the “Iyaloja” title.
The market women’s support for the monarch comes after the “Iyaloja-General of Nigeria,” Folashade Tinubu-Ojo (daughter of President Bola Tinubu), installed Pastor Josephine Ibhaguezejele as the “Iyaloja” of Edo State. The installation took place at the Government House in Benin.
However, during a courtesy visit from Tinubu-Ojo, Oba Ewuare II stated that the “Iyaloja” title is “alien” to the Benin Kingdom’s culture. He explained that Benin markets are traditionally led by a female head known as an “Iyeki,” a role that is tied to the palace and involves performing cultural and spiritual duties. The Oba emphasized that the Iyeki is selected by market women within each individual market and must be confirmed by the palace.
The market women, in a solidarity visit to the palace, commended the Oba for upholding Benin’s rich culture and tradition. Speaking on their behalf, Florence Ahunwan stated that they were in full agreement with the Oba’s position and praised him for defending their heritage.
The controversy has also drawn protests from other groups of market women in Benin, who have described the installation as a “taboo” and “a negation of Benin tradition.” They have vowed to resist any attempts to introduce the “Iyaloja” title into their markets.
