Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty Ewuare II, has firmly stated that the concept of a general market leader known as ‘Iyaloja’ is foreign to Benin culture and does not align with the traditional structure of market leadership in the kingdom.
The monarch made this declaration on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, while receiving Mrs. Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, daughter of President Bola Tinubu and the Iyaloja General of Nigeria, who visited the palace to announce her intention to inaugurate Pastor Josephine Ivbazebule as the Iyaloja of all markets in Edo State.
Oba Ewuare II, after listening to Tinubu-Ojo’s presentation, questioned her understanding of the traditional Benin market leadership system, particularly the role of the Iyeki. He explained that in Benin, the Iyeki is the recognized market leader, selected by market women and confirmed by the palace. The Iyeki not only coordinates trade activities but also performs cultural duties on behalf of the Oba, including rituals at shrines located within each market.
“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,” the monarch stated.
To further clarify the palace’s position, Chief Osaro Idah was permitted to address Tinubu-Ojo. He emphasized that each market in Benin—such as Oba Market and Ogiso Market—has its own independent Iyeki, chosen by traders and later presented to the palace for confirmation. He noted that the idea of a general Iyeki overseeing all markets is not part of Benin tradition.
“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. There are certain shrines in all the markets.
“They play certain roles on behalf of the palace. After their selection, they bring the person to the palace for confirmation. The novelty of a general Iyeki is alien to Benin custom and tradition. We just believe the Iyaloja is your socio-cultural thing, like you have other clubs,” Chief Idah said.
He added, “It is not in our culture to have a general Iyeki. Iyeki is particular to each market. No one has the right to control another in a different market. The Iyeki in Oba Market has no role to play in Ogiso Market. The Oba established the market for all in the society.”
