IDNN Politics & Culture Desk
Clash of Traditions on Independence Day
What was meant to be a symbolic Independence Day ceremony in Edo spiralled into a cultural showdown. Oba Ewuare II of Benin publicly rebuffed the attempt by Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, Iyaloja General of Nigeria and daughter of President Bola Tinubu, to inaugurate a state-wide “Iyaloja” structure. The monarch declared the concept alien to Benin, insisting the Iyeki — the traditional market head confirmed by the palace — is the only legitimate institution in the kingdom’s markets.
“Iyaloja Is Alien Here”
In a blunt address at the royal palace, the Oba asked Tinubu-Ojo if she understood the cultural role of the Iyeki in Benin. “Every Iyeki has a special relationship with the palace. She performs expected roles in the shrine of every market. The Oba does not interfere so long as the Iyeki fulfils these duties. Iyaloja is alien to us here in Benin,” he declared.
Chief Osaro Idah, speaking for the palace, explained further: “Iyeki is independent in every market. Traders select their leader, and the palace confirms her. No one has the right to control another in a different market. The novelty of a general Iyeki is alien to our culture.”
A Clash Beyond Titles
The Oba’s rejection strikes deeper than semantics. It pits traditional authority — centuries-old Benin culture — against modern political influence, embodied by the president’s daughter’s national Iyaloja network. For many in Edo, the palace’s stance reasserts local autonomy at a time when political figures are seen as overreaching into cultural domains.
Tinubu-Ojo, however, went ahead to inaugurate Pastor Josephine Ibhaguezejele as Edo State Market Leader, accompanied by Edo First Lady’s office and senior government officials. The split ceremonies — palace rejection vs government blessing — symbolised a brewing dual legitimacy crisis in the state’s markets.
Ripple Impact: Culture, Politics, Power
- Cultural Authority: Palace reasserts its supremacy in Edo market leadership.
- Political Tension: Federal-linked Iyaloja structure perceived as intrusion.
- Market Unity: Traders risk division between palace-recognised Iyeki and government-backed Iyaloja.
Commercial Tag: Markets as Powerbases
For Edo’s markets — hubs of billions in daily trade — leadership battles are not symbolic. They shape taxation, regulation, and political mobilisation. Whoever controls market associations commands economic and electoral influence. The palace’s intervention signals its determination to remain gatekeeper of that power.
Graphic Caption: Oba of Benin rejects Iyaloja title: “Iyeki is our tradition, Iyaloja is alien to us.”
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