The recent conflict between the Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, and the Iyaloja-General, Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, highlights a clash between established local cultural tradition and attempts to expand a different socio-political hierarchy. The dispute centers on the Oba’s rejection of the “Iyaloja” title in the Edo kingdom, a position held by Tinubu-Ojo. Key difference in priorities
The conflict reveals a fundamental difference in priorities between the two figures.
Basis of Conflict Oba of Benin Iyaloja-General
Cultural Integrity The Oba prioritizes preserving the ancient and unique traditions of the Benin kingdom. Tinubu-Ojo represents a Yoruba-based socio-political model, seeking to expand its structure across different states.
Market Authority The Oba upholds a decentralized system where local market women elect their leaders, who then serve the Oba and the community. Tinubu-Ojo attempted to install a centralized, appointed market authority, challenging the local, independent system.
Source of Power The Oba’s authority is based on centuries of Benin tradition and ancestral reverence. Tinubu-Ojo’s influence is derived from her title, given by a Lagos monarch, and her political connections as the President’s daughter. Trending Explained
@TrendingEx
Iyaloja is trending because the Oba of Benin blocked Pres. Tinubu’s daughter from imposing an Iya Oloja in Edo State.
Meanwhile, she’s already inaugurated the Iyaloja before going to see the Oba. Turns out last week, her appointee taxed all market women and Iyeki’s up to ₦1.5M.
Because the new Iyaloja general of Edo State is claiming the Governor Appointed her Iyeki General, according to market women [Video].
Two days ago, Folashade Ojo-Tinubu was in Benin inaugurated her selected market leaders to control Edo Markets.. led by, Pastor (Mrs.) Josephine Isi Ivbazebule as the Iyeki-General of the state. (Iyaloja of all Edo Markets).
According to rumors, Folashade was expected at the palace since 29th of September.
However, after the said official—unofficial inauguration, seemingly endorsed by the state governor. Because it held at the Government house.
Folashade made a trip to The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II’s palace to pay a “courtesy visit” and “introduce” him to the new, first ever Edo State Iyaloja General/ Iyeki General.
Upon presenting her appointee, Oba Ewuare II, told her that the idea of Iyaloja is alien to him and the Benin Kingdom.
That, the market is cultural to the Kingdom and what they have is “Iyeki” who actively works with the palce and perform cultural duties in shrines located within all markets..
Feeling he wasn’t doing justice to the explanation. He summoned Chief Osaro Idah to do a royal Trending Explained™.
Chief Osaro further clarified that, the market is apolitical. That, they allow market women to choose their own leaders. They do not interfere, unless when there is special need.
When they’ve chosen, the women will present the person to the palace and the palace fortifies them to carry out the necessary traditions throughout their time as Iyeki.
And there is nothing like Iyeki General — Because, every market has its own Iyeki and they all work independently with the place, no Iyeki has authority over another market.
So, the idea of Iyaloja General is not viable in the Benin Culture. And to them, it’s just a socio-cultural thing like clubs.
Although Oba Ewuare II didn’t outrightly bounce Folashade Tinubu, but made it clear, Edo had a culture which he and they, have to uphold, and they won’t be changing their culture for political associations.
Seeing this, not every Edo person supported the Oba, particularly patriotic Nigerians supporting Monday Okpebholo and the President.
However, patriotic Edo indigenes found Folashade’s actions disrespectful to the Benin Kingdom, and accused her and her father of trying to distort the Benin culture for greed and power.
As it stands, the Iyeki’s remain the market leaders. Apparently this has been rumored since 2024, and Edo market women have staged protests against it.
Infact, last week some market women protested against Folashade’s Iyaloja who was already imposing taxes on them and asking all Iyeki’s to pay ₦1.5M each welcome the self declared, Iyaloja General of Nigeria, to Edo State.
Folashade became the Iyaloja of Lagos, taking after her grandmother, Abibatu Mogaji in 2013. In 2023 June, she declared herself the Iyaloja General of Nigeria, just barely a month after her father’s swearing in.
