The Benin Monarch, Oba Ewuare II, has cautioned Mrs Folashade Ojo-Tinubu that the concept of ‘Iyaloja-general’ title is not known to Benin culture.
The monarch stated this on Tuesday when Ojo-Tinubu who is the Iyaloja-General of market women associations in Nigeria, paid him homage in his palace.
The Iyaloja-general who was led to the palace by the Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, Edo State, Mrs Edesili Okpebholo-Anani, had earlier informed the Monarch that she was in the state to inaugurate Pastor (Mrs) Josephine Isi Ibhaguezejele as the Iyeki-general of the State.
Oba Ewuare II ,however, told her that in Benin Kingdom the Iyeki must be confirmed by the palace after being selected by market women.
He added that outside her role of coordinating affairs of traders in the market, Iyeki performs certain cultural roles on his behalf in the various markets.
He added that the Iyeki has special relationship with the palace and performs expected roles in the shrine located in every 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 that 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,” Oba Ewuare II said.
Giving further clarification on the roles of Iyeki in the kingdom, Chief Osaro Idah, whom the Oba permitted to enlighten Tinubu-Ojo, said:
“Iyeki is independent in every market like the Oba market, Ogiso market and others. The traders select their leaders from within the markets. The Iyeki do more than the role of coordinating traders.
“There are certain shrines inhabited 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 general Iyeki is alien to Benin custom and tradition. We just believe the Iyaloja is your socio-cultural thing like you have other clubs.
“It is not in our culture to have a general Iyeki. Iyeki is particular to each market. No one has the right to control the other in another market. The Iyeki in Oba Market has no role to play in Ogiso Market. The Oba established the market for all in the society.”
Earlier while introducing the visitors, Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo-Anani, said: “We are grateful to be here today. I present to you the Iyaloja-General.
“She came to Edo State for the installation of Edo market women leader that has been chosen and we deem it fit that we must pay homage to the Benin throne.”
