The Oba of Benin Warns Against Political Interference in Market Leadership
The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, has issued a strong warning against involving market women in partisan politics, emphasizing that such actions threaten the traditional market structure of the kingdom and could lead to unrest. This statement comes amid growing concerns over the recent installation of Pastor Josephine Ibhaguezejele as the Iyaloja of Edo State by the Iyaloja-General of Nigeria, Mrs. Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, daughter of President Bola Tinubu.
A statement released on Thursday by the Osuma of Benin, Chief Norense Ozigbo-Esere; the Secretary of the Benin Traditional Council (BTC), Frank Irabor; and four other palace chiefs, confirmed that the monarch will meet with all Iyekes (market heads) across Benin markets to provide further clarification on the issue. While details of the meeting were not immediately disclosed, sources within the palace indicated that it was arranged in response to the tensions created by Ibhaguezejele’s purported installation.
During Tinubu-Ojo’s visit to the palace last Thursday, Oba Ewuare II reiterated that the concept of an Iyaloja is foreign to Benin culture. He explained that each market in the kingdom is traditionally led by an Iyeki—a woman selected by traders and spiritually connected to the palace.
“In Benin, there is nothing like an ‘Iyeki-General,’ which this Iyaloja title seems to suggest,” the BTC statement clarified. “Each Iyeki emerges from among the market women, is presented to the Palace for confirmation, and once approved, is installed by her peers. Every Iyeki is independent, culturally and spiritually tied to the Palace, and performs specific rituals for the well-being of the market.”
The palace strongly cautioned against the politicization of market leadership or the use of trade associations as political tools. “These twin factors are antithetical and inimical to the essence of our market tradition in Benin culture,” the statement read. “We advise that the function of Iyeki should not be politicized. Any deviation from this age-old cultural system may lead to a breach of peace. The BTC therefore urges the state government to take cognisance of this warning to avoid a breakdown of law and order.”
The palace also warned politicians and market leaders to stop invoking the name of the Oba to legitimize their political activities. “We hear comments such as ‘the Oba’s word is final’ in this Iyaloja saga. But were these words respected in the past when some leaders used market women as political pawns?” the BTC queried. “The former market leader, Blacky Ogiemien, was once advised by the Palace to desist from such practices but continued despite warnings.”
Market Women Respond to the Controversy
Meanwhile, reacting to the ongoing controversy, Ogiemien stated that market women in Edo State are apolitical and would continue to support any government in power while remaining loyal to the Oba. Speaking by phone on Wednesday, she said, “We work with any government in power. It was Lucky Igbinedion who handed us to Senator Oserhiemen Osunbor; when Osunbor left, we worked with Oshiomhole, and he later told us to work with Governor Obaseki. There’s a process for leadership selection, and no one can just appoint themselves coordinator.”
On the Oba’s planned meeting and the directive against politicization, she added, “We are all one. Anytime the Oba wants us, we will be there. If the Oba says we should not be involved in politics again, there’s no problem about that.”
Cultural Significance of the Iyeki Role
The role of the Iyeki is deeply rooted in Benin’s cultural heritage. Each Iyeki is chosen through a process that involves both the market community and the palace. Once selected, the Iyeki undergoes a formal installation ceremony conducted by her peers. This ensures that the position remains independent and free from external influence.
The palace emphasizes that the Iyeki’s responsibilities extend beyond mere administrative duties. They are also spiritual custodians of the market, performing rituals that are believed to ensure prosperity and harmony within the marketplace.
Conclusion
The controversy surrounding the Iyaloja installation has sparked a broader conversation about the preservation of traditional structures in modern governance. The Oba’s intervention underscores the importance of maintaining cultural integrity and preventing the commercialization of sacred roles. As the planned meeting between the Oba and the Iyekes approaches, the focus remains on reinforcing the cultural and spiritual significance of the market leadership system in Benin.
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