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From Tony Osauzo, Benin
The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, has enlightened the daughter of President Bola Tinubu and Iyaloja General, Mrs. Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, on the role and functions of Iyeki (market leader) in Benin Kingdom.
The Oba’s enlightenment of Mrs. Tinubu-Ojo was occasioned by the President’s daughter’s visit to his Palace to inform the monarch of her plan to install Mrs Josephine Isi Ibhaguezejele as Iyaloja (Iyeki) of all markets in Edo State.
The Oba told her that the Iyeki performs certain cultural roles on his behalf in the markets, beside coordinating affairs of traders in the market.
He said the Iyeki has a special relationship with the palace and performs expected roles in the shrine located in every market.
Besides, Oba Ewuare II, explained that the Iyaloja concept was alien to the Benin culture, adding that the Iyeki must be confirmed by the palace after being selected by the market women.
“Iyaloja is alien to us here in Benin. In Benin, you are in 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.”
Chief Osaro Idah, who 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 market. The Iyeki does 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.
“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 have no role to play in Ogiso Market. The Oba established the market for all in the society,” Chief Idah, stated.
