Controversy has erupted in Edo State following the inauguration of Pastor (Mrs.) Josephine Isi Ivbazebule as the Iyeki General of Edo market Association by Mrs. Folashade Ojo-Tinubu, daughter of President Bola Tinubu, despite strong opposition from the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II.
The development has sparked a wave of criticism from Edo indigenes, cultural advocates, and influencers, who describe the move as a “cultural invasion” and an affront to the Benin monarchy and traditions.
Ojo-Tinubu, who has styled herself as the Iyaloja-General of Nigeria since 2023, was in Benin two days ago to inaugurate her chosen market leaders in a ceremony held at the Edo State Government House. Ivbazebule was introduced as the Iyeki-General, effectively the head of all market women in the state.
Shortly after the inauguration, Ojo-Tinubu led her delegation to the palace of the Oba of Benin to pay a courtesy visit and present the new appointee. However, Oba Ewuare II firmly rejected the Iyaloja system, stressing that it is alien to the Benin Kingdom.
According to the monarch, markets in Benin are not political entities but cultural spaces overseen by traditional female leaders known as Iyeki. He emphasized that each market has its own Iyeki, who are chosen by the women and later presented to the palace for traditional fortification. Importantly, the Oba clarified that there is no position known as “Iyeki General,” as each market operates independently.
To further explain, Chief Osaro Idah, who was summoned by the Oba, stated that the palace does not interfere in the selection of market leaders except in special cases, and dismissed the idea of a centralized “Iyaloja General” as incompatible with Benin traditions.
The move has stirred widespread anger, particularly after reports surfaced that the newly installed Iyeki-General had already begun imposing levies on market women and traditional Iyeki leaders. Last week, some market women staged protests against what they called illegal taxation and the imposition of a foreign leadership structure.
Critics argue that Ojo-Tinubu’s actions undermine the authority of the Oba and distort Edo cultural practices. Others, however, particularly supporters of President Tinubu and Senator Monday Okpebholo, have downplayed the dispute, framing it as a misunderstanding.
This is not the first time the Iyaloja title has attracted controversy. Ojo-Tinubu assumed the position of Iyaloja of Lagos in 2013, following in the footsteps of her grandmother, Abibatu Mogaji. In June 2023, shortly after her father assumed the presidency, she declared herself Iyaloja-General of Nigeria.
For now, the Oba of Benin has maintained that the traditional Iyeki remain the only recognized market leaders in Edo State, dismissing the newly introduced structure as an imposition.
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