The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, has declared that the Iyaloja (market leadership) concept is alien to Benin culture.

The monarch made this known on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, when he received the daughter of President Bola Tinubu and Iyaloja-General, Mrs. Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, at his palace in Benin City.

Tinubu-Ojo had visited to inform the Oba that she was in Edo State to inaugurate Pastor Josephine Ivbazebule as the Iyaloja of all markets in the state.

In response, the Oba asked whether Tinubu-Ojo was aware of the Iyeki system — the traditional Benin market leadership structure — and its deep connection with the palace.

According to him, the Iyeki is selected by market women but must be confirmed by the palace. Beyond managing market affairs, the Iyeki also performs specific cultural and spiritual roles on behalf of the Oba, particularly in shrines located within the markets.

“Iyaloja is alien to us here in Benin. You are in Benin, the home of culture; we have our culture here,” Oba Ewuare II said.

“Every Iyeki has a special relationship with the palace. 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 that market on behalf of the Oba.”

Chief Osaro Idah, who was authorized by the monarch to further clarify, explained that each Iyeki operates independently in their respective markets, such as Oba Market and Ogiso Market.

He noted that traders in each market select their leader, who is then presented to the palace for confirmation. The Iyeki, he emphasized, plays roles that go beyond coordinating traders, including duties tied to the shrines on behalf of the palace.

“The novelty of a general Iyeki is alien to Benin custom and tradition. We just believe the Iyaloja is your socio-cultural thing, like other clubs you have,” Chief Idah stated.

“It is not in our culture to have a general Iyeki. Each market has its own. No one leader controls another. The Iyeki in Oba Market has no role to play in Ogiso Market. The Oba established markets for the entire society.”