Benin Palace Questions Motive Of Iyaloja Role In Edo Markets

 

Benin Palace Questions Motive Of Iyaloja Role In Edo Markets, Urges Tinubu’s Daughter To Also Extend Concept To Kano, Aba, Others

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Palace expressed deep reservations over what it termed the “politicisation of market leadership” through trade associations and partisan influence.

The Benin Traditional Council (BTC), acting on the authority of Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty Oba Ewuare II, has questioned the motive behind the introduction of the Iyaloja concept in Edo State by the Iyaloja-General of Nigeria, Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, the daughter of President Bola Tinubu, describing it as alien to Benin culture and tradition.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Palace expressed deep reservations over what it termed the “politicisation of market leadership” through trade associations and partisan influence.

The Palace warned that such practices are “antithetical and inimical to the essence of our market tradition in Benin culture.”

“While the Palace maintains its position that the Iyaloja concept is alien to the culture of Benin, the Palace also frowns at the use of trade associations to run open markets and to play partisan politics,” the statement read.

Clarifying the traditional market structure in Benin, the Palace explained that the Iyeki (market head) emerges organically among market women and is later presented to the Palace for confirmation, akin to how a village Odionwere is endorsed.

“Every Iyeki is independent of each other and culturally, spiritually, and religiously tied to the Palace,” the statement emphasised.

“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 any attempt to politicise the traditional Iyeki role could “lead to a breach of peace,” urging the Edo State Government to recognise and uphold this long-standing cultural order.

The Palace expressed concern that Edo markets have, for some time, become “tools in the hands of partisan politicians and unscrupulous individuals,” adding that such manipulation contributes to the inflation of food prices, undermining President Tinubu’s efforts to stabilise the economy.

The Palace also recalled that a previous market leader, Blacky Ogiemien, was cautioned against politicising market affairs during an earlier administration but allegedly ignored royal counsel.

Quoting a Benin adage, “uvun re rhan iramwen elaro” (if there is no hole in a tree, deadly insects cannot find an entrance into it), the Palace likened the current controversy to the failure of some Iyekis to uphold their traditional loyalty to the Palace.

The Palace directly addressed the national dimension of the Iyaloja role, championed by the President’s daughter, Mrs. Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, asking pointedly whether the same initiative would be extended to other regions.

The Palace stated that if the Iyaloja concept, which is typically a Yoruba cultural tradition, has become a national concept, the President’s daughter should extend it to other parts and regions of Nigeria, including places like Kano in the north, Aba in the South-East, among others.

“We do not know the aim of this Iyaloja concept being introduced to Edo State. We hope that if it is a national thing, then the Iyaloja of Lagos (or Nigeria) must extend this concept to the other states in Nigeria before we can believe its authenticity and motive.

“We also have a question: Can an Edo woman be made the Iyaloja of Lagos or Nigeria? Can this concept of Iyaloja be extended to Aba, Owerri, Keffi, Kaduna, Kano, Sokoto, and other parts of Nigeria?”

Despite its concerns, the Palace reaffirmed its unwavering support for the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo in Edo State, describing the relationship between the Governor and the Oba as “a divine blessing to Edo State.”

“Akpakomiza plus Ewuare N’Ogidigan is a divine blessing to Edo State,” the statement noted.

“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 was signed by Chief Norense Ozigbo-Esere, Osuma of Benin; Chief Osaro Idah, Obazelu of Benin; Chief Okunoghae Edomwandagbon, Ine of Benin; Chief Edionwe Oliha, Oliha of Benin; Chief Ada Igbinovia, Eribo of Benin, and Frank Irabor, Secretary, Benin Traditional Council.