The Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, has rejected the move by Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, the daughter of President Bola Tinubu, to take control of all the markets in Edo State.

In a statement by the Benin Traditional Council on Tuesday, the monarch stated that the concepts of “Iyaloja” and “Iyeki General” are alien to the Benin culture.

The monarch’s statement followed Mrs Tinubu-Ojo’s controversial inauguration of Josephine Ivbaguezejele as Iyeki-General, the state market women leader, on October 2, 2025, at the state government house.

Mr Ewuare faulted the inauguration of the Iyeki-General, who is known as the Iyaloja-General in the South-West and has a strong influence in grassroots politics. He believes it is an avenue to garner support ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“While the palace maintains its position that the Iyaloja concept is alien to the culture of Benin, the palace also frowns at the use of trade associations to run open markets and to play partisan politics,” the monarch said.

Mr Ewuare, who wondered if an Edo woman could emerge as the “Iyaloja” of Lagos State, also asked that the concept be introduced to other states “before we can believe its authenticity and motive.”

“We also have a question: Can an Edo woman be made the Iyaloja of Lagos or of Nigeria? Can this concept of Iyaloja be extended to Aba, Owerri, Keffi, Kaduna, Sokoto, and other parts of Nigeria?” Mr Ewuare asked.

The monarch explained that in the Benin culture, the Iyeki, chosen among market women, is usually brought to the palace for confirmation, after which they are installed. Also, he said the Iyeki of each market is independent of the others.

He warned against the politicisation of Iyeki while criticising Governor Monday Okpebholo for not informing the palace of such an inauguration, which he warned could result in the breakdown of law and order.

Mr Ewuare said, “The palace also frowns at the use of trade associations to run open markets and to okay partisan politics. These twin factors are antithetical and inimical to the essence of market traditions in Benin culture.

“Any deviation from this age-old cultural system may lead to a breach of the peace. It behooves the Benin Traditional Council to advise the state government to please take cognisance of this and avoid a breakdown of law and order.

“We would have advised the state government of this salient tradition if the Benin Traditional Council had been consulted much earlier.”

The monarch summoned all Iyekis to a meeting at his palace on October 9.

The statement was signed by Norense Ozigbo-Esere, the Osuma of Benin; Osaro Idah, the Obazelu of Benin; Okunoghae Edomwandagbon, the Ine of Benin; Edionwe Oliha, the Oliha of Benin; Ada Igbinovia, the Eribo of Benin; and Frank Irabor, the BTC secretary.