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Benin Traditional Council Reaffirms Oba’s Authority on Market Leadership
The Benin Traditional Council (BTC), under the authority of His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, CFR, the Oba of Benin, has reaffirmed the Oba’s authority over market leadership in Edo State and formally rejected the introduction of the Iyaloja title, describing it as alien to Benin tradition and potentially disruptive to public peace.
In a public memo dated October 7, 2025, the Palace reiterated that the Iyaloja institution common in other parts of Nigeria has no foundation in Benin tradition. It stressed that the Benin market leadership structure, known as the Iyeki system, operates under long-standing cultural and spiritual principles directly tied to the Palace.
“While the Palace maintains its position that the Iyaloja concept is alien to the culture of Benin, it also frowns at the use of trade associations to run open markets and to play partisan politics,” the Council said. “These twin factors are antithetical to our market traditions.”
Palace Explains Iyeki Market Leadership System
The Council clarified that in Benin custom, Iyeki (market leaders) are chosen by market women and later presented to the Palace for confirmation similar to how village heads (odionwere) are approved before installation.
The Palace does not appoint or impose Iyeki on any market, nor does it recognize any overarching or “honorary” title such as Iyeki General, which the Iyaloja concept implies.
“Every Iyeki is culturally, spiritually, and religiously tied to the Palace. There is a direct functional relationship between Iyeki and the Palace,” the statement read.
“There is no honorary chieftaincy title in Benin culture, so also there is no honorary Iyeki title.”
Council Warns Against Politicising Markets
The Benin Traditional Council Iyaloja statement warned that politicising market leadership could endanger public order. The Palace urged the Edo State Government to respect long-established cultural systems when considering market reforms.
“Any deviation from this age-old cultural system may lead to a breach of peace,” the Council cautioned. “It behoves the Benin Traditional Council to advise the State Government to take cognisance of this and avoid breakdown of law and order.”
Markets ‘Hijacked’ by Political Interests
The Palace lamented that open markets have become tools in the hands of partisan politicians and “unscrupulous individuals.” It warned that political interference through trade associations has worsened instability and contributed to rising food prices.
“The Palace has received numerous complaints that the use of associations negatively in the markets has contributed immensely to the rise in food prices,” the statement said.
The Palace cautioned market leaders and political actors against invoking the Oba’s name for personal or political gain, citing the case of a former leader, Mrs. Blacky Ogiemien, who was previously warned against politicising market activities.
Call for Cultural Restraint and Unity
The statement urged market women to reconnect with traditional values and their spiritual obligations to the Palace. Using the Benin proverb “uvun re rhan iramwen elaro” (“if there is no hole in a tree, deadly insects cannot enter it”), the Palace warned that divisions among market leaders had opened the door to external manipulation.
“We hope the market women headed by their Iyeki have now learned their lesson and understand their connection to the Palace and what is expected of them,” it said.
Questioning the Motive Behind the Iyaloja Title
The Council also questioned the motive behind introducing the Iyaloja title in Edo State.
“We do not know the aim of this Iyaloja concept being introduced to Edo State. If it is a national idea, then Iyaloja of Lagos or Nigeria must extend it to other states before we can believe its authenticity,” the Palace remarked.
“Can an Edo woman be made the Iyaloja of Lagos?” it asked rhetorically.
Support for Government, Appeal for Focus
Despite its firm position, the Benin Traditional Council reaffirmed its support for both the Edo State and Federal Governments, urging leaders not to allow political distractions within markets to derail governance.
“We commend and support the Governor and the President and appeal to them not to allow the shenanigans of market women politics to distract them from their divine work,” the Council concluded.
The Council prayed for continued cooperation between the State and the Palace and for divine blessings upon Edo State.
Market Leaders Summoned to the Palace
In a follow-up notice, the Benin Traditional Council directed all Iyekis (market coordinators) across Edo State to report to the Palace of the Oba of Benin for a briefing and clarification on the issues raised.
The meeting is scheduled for Thursday, October 9, 2025, at 12 noon, and is expected to address the ongoing Iyaloja controversy and reinforce the Palace’s authority over market leadership in line with Benin cultural practice.
Official Memo:
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