Market women across Benin are rejoicing and praising the Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty Oba Ewuare II, for his bold stance in rejecting the attempt to introduce the title of Iyaloja into Benin Kingdom — a title he firmly described as foreign to Benin tradition.
The installation of Pastor Ibhaguezejele, which had already taken place at the Edo Government House before Tinubu-Ojo’s visit to the Oba’s Palace, was widely criticized by many as a disrespectful and politically driven affront to the Benin monarchy.
The incident unfolded on October 4, 2025, when Oba Ewuare II turned down the proposed installation of Pastor Josephine Ibhaguezejele as the Iyaloja of Edo State, an appointment allegedly backed by Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, daughter of President Bola Tinubu and the current Iyaloja-General of Nigeria.
In his response, the Oba made it clear that Benin markets operate under a completely different structure from what exists in Yoruba land. According to him, market affairs in Benin are overseen by women known as Iyeki, not Iyaloja.
He explained that each market has its own Iyeki, chosen democratically by the traders and later confirmed by the palace. There is, he emphasized, no concept of a centralized Iyeki-General or Iyaloja-General in Benin culture.
The Oba further noted that the Iyeki serves both cultural and spiritual roles within the market on behalf of the palace—responsibilities that only true indigenes of the land can carry out.
Following the development, members of the Edo State Market Women Association strongly opposed the attempted appointment, describing it as a direct violation of Benin customs and an unnecessary political imposition.
They expressed deep gratitude to the Oba for standing firm in defense of their heritage and reaffirmed their unflinching loyalty to the palace-approved system of market leadership.
The recognized leader of the Edo State Market Women Association, Madam Blacky Ogiamen, also paid a courtesy visit to the Oba to personally convey their appreciation for his intervention and support.
Several opposition figures, including members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), also condemned the move, describing it as a politically motivated attempt to exert influence in the state.
The PDP has since called on Governor Monday Okpebholo to issue a public apology for allowing such an installation to be held at the Government House in the first place.
