The Benin Traditional Council (BTC), under the authority of His Royal Majesty Oba Ewuare II, has raised concerns over the introduction of the Iyaloja concept in Edo State by Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, daughter of President Bola Tinubu.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Palace described the initiative as alien to Benin culture and tradition, warning against the politicisation of market leadership through trade associations and partisan influence.

Palace Criticizes Politicization of Market Leadership

The statement emphasized that the use of trade associations to run markets for political gain is “antithetical and inimical to the essence of our market tradition in Benin culture.”

Clarifying the traditional structure, the Palace noted that the Iyeki (market head) emerges naturally among market women and is later endorsed by the Palace, similar to the appointment of a village Odionwere.

“Every Iyeki is independent of each other and culturally, spiritually, and religiously tied to the Palace,” the statement read.
“Just as there is no honorary chieftaincy title in Benin culture, so also there is no honorary Iyeki title in Benin culture.”

The Palace warned that politicising the Iyeki role could disrupt peace and urged the Edo State Government to maintain respect for the traditional system.

Concerns About Market Manipulation and Economy

The statement also highlighted that Edo markets have increasingly become tools for partisan politicians and unscrupulous actors, which, according to the Palace, contributes to rising food prices and undermines national economic efforts.

Referencing past warnings to market leaders, the Palace cited a previous Iyeki, Blacky Ogiemien, who was cautioned against politicising market affairs but allegedly ignored royal advice.

The Palace likened the controversy to a Benin proverb:

“uvun re rhan iramwen elaro” — if there is no hole in a tree, deadly insects cannot find an entrance into it.

National Implications of the Iyaloja Concept

The Palace questioned whether the Iyaloja initiative, traditionally a Yoruba cultural institution, is now intended as a national concept. It called on Folashade Tinubu-Ojo to extend the initiative to other regions, including Kano, Aba, Owerri, Keffi, Kaduna, Sokoto, and other parts of Nigeria.

“We hope that if it is a national thing, then the Iyaloja of Lagos (or Nigeria) must extend this concept to the other states before we can believe its authenticity and motive. Can an Edo woman be made the Iyaloja of Lagos or Nigeria?” the statement asked.

Support for Edo State Government

Despite these concerns, the Palace reaffirmed its support for Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration, describing the partnership between the Governor and Oba Ewuare II as “a divine blessing to Edo State.”

“Akpakomiza plus Ewuare N’Ogidigan is a divine blessing to Edo State. We commend, support, and appreciate the work of the Governor and the President, and appeal to them not to allow the shenanigans of market women politics distract them from the divine work they have been elected to do,” the statement concluded.

The statement was signed by senior chiefs of the Benin Traditional Council, including Chief Norense Ozigbo-Esere, Chief Osaro Idah, Chief Okunoghae Edomwandagbon, Chief Edionwe Oliha, Chief Ada Igbinovia, and Frank Irabor, Secretary of the BTC.