The Benin Traditional Council (BTC) has strongly criticised the introduction of the Iyaloja title in Edo State, describing it as alien to Benin tradition and potentially disruptive to the state’s cultural harmony.
In a statement issued on behalf of the Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty Oba Ewuare II, and signed by six senior palace chiefs, the council expressed its continued scepticism about the motive behind the new title, questioning its authenticity and the intent behind those advocating for it.
“We do not know the aim of this Iyaloja concept being introduced to Edo State. If it is a national thing, then the Iyaloja of Lagos (or Nigeria) must extend this concept to all other states before we can believe its authenticity and motive,” the statement declared.
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The BTC queried the cultural logic of the move, asking pointedly, “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, Kano, Sokoto, and other parts of Nigeria?”
According to the council, the age-long Benin institution of Iyeki (market leader) is deeply rooted in culture and spirituality, with each Iyeki chosen by market women and confirmed by the Palace — not imposed or politically influenced.
“Every Iyeki is independent and spiritually tied to the Palace. There is no such thing as Iyeki General in Benin culture. Just as there are no honorary chieftaincy titles, there are no honorary Iyeki titles,” the Palace warned.
The statement cautioned that any deviation from this structure could lead to cultural dislocation and social unrest, stressing that market leadership should never be politicised or used as a tool for partisan gain.
“The Palace frowns at the use of market associations to run open markets and play partisan politics. These are inimical to the essence of our market traditions,” the BTC noted.
It expressed disappointment that the state government did not consult the Palace before introducing the Iyaloja initiative, adding that early engagement could have prevented the current tension.
Market women had earlier visited the Oba’s Palace to express gratitude to the monarch for his firm stance in preserving the integrity of Benin traditions and rejecting the Iyaloja title as an imposition alien to Edo’s cultural identity.