Matilda Omonaiye/
The Benin Traditional Council has issued a strong warning against attempts to politicise Edo market institutions, declaring that there is no such position as “Iyeki-General” or “Iyaloja” in the Benin Kingdom.
In an official statement signed by top palace chiefs, including the Esogban of Benin, Chief David Edebiri; the Oliha of Benin, Chief Edionwe Oliha; and the Osaro Ihama, Obasogie of Benin, the council reaffirmed that all market priestesses, known traditionally as Iyeki, are autonomous and answer only to the Oba of Benin.
The statement, which came amid reports that President Bola Tinubu’s daughter, Chief (Mrs.) Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, had installed an “Iyeki-General” for Edo State, cautioned that such political interference contravenes Benin customs and undermines centuries-old traditions governing market administration.
Pastor Josephine Ibhaguezejele was recently installed as the Iyaloja of Edo State by the president’s daughter who is also the Iyaloja-General of Nigeria.
The installation ceremony took place at the Government House, Benin, last Tuesday.
During a visit by Tinubu-Ojo and her delegation to the palace on the same day, Oba Ewuare II had stated that the concept of Iyaloja was foreign to the Benin Kingdom.
He explained that in Benin tradition, each market is headed by an Iyeki, who maintains a special relationship with the palace and performs cultural and spiritual duties in the market shrine on behalf of the monarch.
According to the letter, before any market can be established in Benin Kingdom, the Oba must give approval and provide the sacred altars that protect the market. A designated market priestess, known as the Iyeki or “Mother of the Market,” serves as custodian of the shrine and ensures the spiritual well-being of the market community.
“The palace states categorically that all Iyeki are autonomous from each other and there are no Iyeki-General or Iyaloja in Edo land. Our esteemed culture and tradition will be protected at all cost,” the statement declared.
The council also criticised past attempts to politicise the institution, recalling when a former spokesperson of the Iyekis, Blacky Ogiamein, allegedly tried to drag the traditional role into partisan politics.
To reinforce its position, the palace has summoned all market Iyekis to appear before it on October 9, at 12 noon for a briefing.
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