By Chidimma Okwara,
The controversy involving Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, the daughter of Nigerian President Bola Tinubu and the Iyaloja-General of Nigerian market women, in Benin City, Edo State, centers on the imposition of the non-indigenous “Iyaloja” title on the Benin market structure.
The dispute over the leadership of markets in Benin, headed by Mrs. Blacky Ogiamen, gained traction shortly after the September 21, 2024 governorship election when traders raised concerns over plans to replace Ogiamen.
Before then, Ogiamen had led a protest in July, alleging attempts to remove her illegally from office as the head of market women in Edo, a position which Oba Ewuare II had earlier declared non-existent, explaining that every market in Benin Kingdom has its head known as Iye’ki, who performs cultural and religious functions on behalf of the palace.
Mrs. Folashade Tinubu-Ojo installed a woman, Pastor Josephine Ibhaguezejele, as the “Iyaloja of Edo State” (sometimes referred to as Iyaloja-General of Edo). This installation reportedly took place at the Government House in Benin.
What shocked many observers was that Ojo-Tinubu inaugurated Ibhaguezejele before visiting the Oba of Benin, contrary to tradition.
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The Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, publicly and unequivocally rejected the title, stating that the concept of “Iyaloja” is alien to Benin culture and tradition. The title “Iyaloja” is a Yoruba term that translates to “Mother of the Market,” and the controversy is seen by many as an attempt to impose Yoruba cultural and political influence on the Benin Kingdom.
The Correct Benin Title is “Iyeki”, The Oba clarified that the recognized and traditional market leader title in the Benin Kingdom is “Iyeki” (market leader). He explained that an Iyeki is selected by the market women but must be confirmed by the Palace and performs essential cultural and spiritual roles for the Oba in the market’s shrine, in addition to administrative duties.
The Benin Palace also noted that the concept of a general market leader (Iyaloja-General or Iyeki-General) with control over all markets is also “alien” to their custom. In Benin tradition, each market has its own independent Iyeki.
The installation sparked protests from some Benin market women who rejected the new appointee, partly because she is allegedly not of Benin extraction and lacks the cultural eligibility to perform the traditional roles of an Iyeki. There are also strong accusations that the appointment is politically motivated, particularly following a recent governorship election in the state.
In summary, the core of the controversy is a clash between a title from the Yoruba tradition (“Iyaloja”), which was installed by a figure with significant political connections, and the deeply rooted cultural practices and authority of the Benin Palace, which recognizes only the title of Iyeki.
