Palpable tension has gripped parts of Edo State following the installation of Pastor Josephine Ibhaguezejele as the Iyaloja of Edo State by Chief (Mrs.) Folasade Tinubu-Ojo, daughter of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the national Iyaloja-General of Nigeria.

The ceremony reportedly took place on Tuesday at the Government House in Benin City. However, the development has sparked cultural controversy after the Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, declared that the concept of “Iyaloja” is alien to Benin Kingdom.

Oba Ewuare II Rejects “Iyaloja” Title in Benin

During a courtesy visit by Tinubu-Ojo and her entourage to the Benin Palace on Thursday, the monarch emphasized that the traditional market leadership structure in Benin recognizes only the “Iyeki”, not an Iyaloja.

“The concept of Iyaloja is alien to us here in Benin,” the Oba said.
“In Benin, you are in the home of culture; we have our own culture. Every market has an Iyeki who has a special relationship with the palace and performs cultural and spiritual duties in the shrine located in each market.”

He explained that each Iyeki represents the Oba’s authority within their respective markets, performing rituals and maintaining traditional order.

“The Oba does not interfere so long as the Iyeki does what is expected of her in the shrine on behalf of the palace,” the monarch added.

Protests and Cultural Backlash

The installation has been met with resistance from market women and cultural groups, who insist that the appointment of an Iyaloja contradicts Benin customs.

Just last week, several market women protested against the choice of Ibhaguezejele, arguing that a Benin woman has always served as the market leader within the kingdom.

A cultural expert, Patrick Osadalor, described the installation as “an exercise in futility,” noting that the Oba’s stance reflects the authentic traditional order in Benin.

“The Oba made it clear to Tinubu-Ojo that Benin culture does not recognize the title of Iyaloja,” Osadalor said.
“The Iyeki are the legitimate heads of markets in Benin, with spiritual and cultural responsibilities that a non-Benin person cannot perform.”

He added that without the Oba’s blessing, the newly installed Iyaloja would not have authority over Benin markets.

Mixed Reactions from Residents

While many residents view the installation as a breach of Benin tradition, others see it as a symbolic, administrative move rather than a cultural one.

A resident from Edo Central, who preferred not to be named, argued that the appointment could still serve a coordinating purpose across markets in Edo Central and Edo North, where the traditional Iyeki system may not be as dominant.

“I don’t see anything wrong in installing a non-Benin as Iyaloja,” he said. “She will only play a coordinating role, not override the Iyeki in their markets. But if she is not allowed to function in Benin, her role might be limited to other parts of the state.”

The Road Ahead

As the controversy lingers, stakeholders are urging caution to avoid politicizing traditional institutions and to ensure cultural boundaries are respected in the management of Edo markets.

Observers say the matter underscores the delicate balance between politics and tradition, especially when cultural symbols intersect with national leadership figures.