By EDOCELEBRITIES.COM | October 8, 2025 | Benin City

The Benin Royal Palace has issued a public announcement reaffirming that the Iyaloja title — commonly used in parts of Nigeria — is foreign to Benin culture and tradition.

According to the Palace statement, there is no such traditional title as “Iyeki General” recognized under the Benin Kingdom’s ancient and well-established traditional hierarchy.

Palace Clarification

In the statement, the Palace emphasized that the Benin Kingdom’s traditional titles and market leadership structures are guided strictly by customs approved by the Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, CFR.

The Palace further noted that attempts to introduce or popularize titles alien to Benin tradition, such as “Iyaloja” or “Iyeki General,” are unauthorized and misleading, urging members of the public to disregard such claims or self-proclaimed titles.

“The title of Iyaloja is not part of Benin traditional structure and has no place in our customs. Likewise, there is no title called Iyeki General in the Benin Kingdom,” the announcement stated.

Preserving Cultural Integrity

The Palace reaffirmed its commitment to protecting and preserving the cultural heritage of the Benin people, emphasizing that all recognized titles and roles within markets, guilds, and communities remain subject to the authority of the Oba of Benin.

This clarification comes as part of ongoing efforts to maintain cultural purity and historical accuracy within the Benin Kingdom’s respected traditional system.