Oba of Benin Rejects Iyaloja-General Title, Says It’s Alien to Benin Tradition

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By Odekunle Doyin

The Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, has dismissed the title of Iyaloja-General as alien to Benin tradition following the recent installation of Pastor Josephine Ibhaguezejele as the Iyaloja of Edo State by Mrs Folashade Ojo-Tinubu, the Iyaloja-General of Nigeria.

Receiving Ojo-Tinubu and her delegation at his palace in Benin City, the monarch stated that the title has no roots in Benin history or cultural structure.

“Iyaloja is alien to us in Benin. Every market here has its own Iye’ki, who performs cultural and spiritual roles for the palace. The Oba does not interfere as long as the Iye’ki performs her duties,” Oba Ewuare II said.

The monarch recalled that market leadership in Benin dates back to the time of legendary queens such as Idia and Iden n’Okpokhuo, whose roles were purely cultural and spiritual, not political.

Speaking on behalf of the palace, Chief Osaro Idah explained that each market’s Iye’ki is selected internally and presented to the palace for confirmation.

“The concept of a ‘general Iye’ki’ is foreign to Benin custom. Every market has its own Iye’ki, and none controls another,” he clarified.

Reacting to the controversy, former Senator Ehigie Uzamere wrote on Facebook that market leadership in Benin “is a sacred traditional structure governed by the Oba of Benin, not by politics.”

“The term Iyaloja is not indigenous to Benin. It does not exist in our language and should not be imposed,” Uzamere stated.

Activist and lawyer, Jefferson Uwoghiren, also called for calm, describing the development as a “communication breakdown capable of causing unnecessary disaffection.”