By Ayodele Oni
Reactions have continued to trail the to install an Iyaloja at markets in Beni City, Edo state, as groups and even Oba of Benin opposed the move.
It was gathered that the move is being spearheaded by Mrs Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, daughter of President Bola Tinubu and the Iyaloja General of Nigeria.
The Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, made it clear to Mrs Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, that the title Iyaloja was strange to 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
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.”
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 in Benin city.
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.
Meanwhile, market women in Edo state have asked women, through the traditional Iye-Eki, Madam Blacky Ogiamien, not to pay any form of levies, rates or tax to Pst. Josephine Ibhaguezejele describing her as an impostor, rejected by the Benins and the entire Benin market community.
“Our market women will also not be engaging in any exercise with the “Otagbogbo Iyaloja.
“We have also commenced a mass mobilization of our people, including the entirety of market women, to publicly reject and denounce the “Otagbogbo Iyaloja” on the streets of Benin and markets.
“The position of Iye-Eki is a cultural entity of the Benins and not an instrument for political compensation—we are aware that some women paid as high as ₦1.5M to emerge market leaders, we are chasing them away.
“A vast majority of these women do not own shops in any of the Benin markets, they are political hangers-on desperate to extort genuine Benin market women.
“To have lied before the Omo n’Oba, disobeyed his counsel, and flout his rejection of “Iyaloja”—alien to the Benin culture, is the greatest insurrection against the Benin ethnic nationality.
“Whereas the embarrassment caused by this singular act to the Benins and by extension, Edo State, will remain in our historical tabloids for centuries.
“Pst. Josephine “Otagbogbo” Ibhaguezejele, cannot function politically or culturally in markets in Benin City, the Edo State capital.
“Iye-Eki is cultural, not political, traditional, not debatable, it marks an offshoot of the Oba of Benin, exclusively preserved for a traditional Benin woman—from past Iy’Ikhueki such as Madam Ologbosere, Madam Comfort Aiwerioghene, Madam Grace Emovon, Madam Amalawa Edebiri, Madam Janet Omozuwa, Madam Esther Edokpayi, and the current, Madam Blacky Ogiamien—all nominated by market women, and brought before His Royal Majesty, for spiritual validation.
“Governor Okpebholo is too small a mortal, to alter our age-long culture and tradition that has kept the Benins together for centuries, all for his political gluttony.
“If we could survive the 1897 invasion of the Benin Empire, by the British expeditionists, Okpebholo’s “Iyaloja” is nothing but a pinch of salt; however, we do not take it lightly.
“We urge the governor to immediately rescind, annul, and declare null and void, the sham, codenamed “inauguration”, that was carried out under his supervision in the Edo State government house where Okpebholo is landlord, as we set to stage an earthmoving protestation against the governor’s attempt to ridicule and disparage our culture and of cause, the revered Benin Monarch.”
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