By Saminu Sodiq Bayonle / World Lens Reporter
Benin City, Edo State – Saturday, October 4, 2025
Tension has gripped parts of Edo State following the installation of Pastor Josephine Ibhaguezejele as the Iyaloja by Mrs. Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, daughter of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and National President of Market Leaders in Nigeria.
The installation, which reportedly took place at the Government House in Benin on Tuesday, has sparked controversy among traditional and market stakeholders in the state. During a courtesy visit to the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, on Thursday, the revered monarch openly expressed his disapproval, describing the title of Iyaloja as alien to Benin culture.
“The concept of Iyaloja is foreign to us here in Benin,” Oba Ewuare II stated. “In our tradition, each market is headed by an Iyeki who maintains a spiritual and cultural relationship with the palace. Every Iyeki performs specific rites in their market shrines on behalf of the Oba. As long as they uphold these duties, the palace does not interfere.”
The monarch’s remark came after concerns were raised by some market women who protested the appointment of Ibhaguezejele, insisting that a Benin woman should lead market activities in the state.
Speaking to World Lens, a cultural analyst, Mr. Patrick Osadalor, described the installation as “an exercise in futility,” emphasizing that it disregards the traditional structures already in place. “Without the endorsement of the Oba, no one can function as a market head in Benin,” Osadalor said. “The Iyeki remain the recognized custodians of the markets and perform cultural duties the so-called Iyaloja cannot undertake.”
However, a resident from Edo Central, who preferred not to be named, said there was nothing wrong with the development, arguing that the newly installed Iyaloja might only serve a coordinating role for markets across the state.
“I don’t see anything wrong in having a non-Benin Iyaloja. Her role could be administrative, overseeing coordination among various markets,” the resident noted. “If the palace insists otherwise, her authority may be limited to Edo Central and Edo North.”
The controversy has reignited public discourse on the intersection of culture, politics, and tradition, with many observers urging restraint and respect for the cultural systems of the Benin Kingdom.
As of the time of filing this report, neither the Benin Traditional Council nor Mrs. Tinubu-Ojo’s office had issued any further statements on the matter.
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