By Simeon OSAJIE
The Benin monarch, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, Oba of Benin Kingdom, has told the daughter of the President Bola Admed Tinubu that the title ‘Iyaloa’ is strange to Edo State.
Oba Ewuare II stated this in reaction to the address of the President’s daughter, Mrs. Folashade Ojo Tinubu who informed the monarch that she was in the State Capital to inaugurate a new leadership for markets in Edo State, and solicit his blessings.
According to Oba Ewuare II, “In Benin, we have a special place for women. When you mentioned ‘Iyaloja’ meaning Iyeki-general as they say. This is a bit alien to me. I just say, it’s a bit alien to us here in Benin.
“I know this is an association. You gather yourselves together to be more powerful, and to harness the power of women to help the political class.”
“You are in the home of culture” the Monarch reminded as he inquired if Folashade knows that every ‘Iyeki’ has a special relationship with the Palace?
A self-proclaimed Edo State market women leader (Iyeki), Pastor (Mrs.) Josephine EdesiIi Ibhaguezejele in the company of Folashade and a small group of market women led by the Director, office of the First Lady, Edo State, Mrs. Edesili Anani were on Tuesday, September 30, 2025 in the Palace of the Monarch on a courtesy visit.
Folashade is said to be the Iyaloja-General of Market Women Association, and she is pressing to install a State leadership for Edo.
During the visit, His Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare II prayed and extended his good wishes to his guests but clarified, that ‘Iyaloja’-General nomenclature ‘is alien to the Benin tradition and culture. ‘Iyaloja’-general in Benin language is ‘Iyeki-general (Market Women Leader- general).
The first Class Monarch educated the President’s daughter on assigned roles of the various market women leaders (Iyeki) in Edo.
They are saddled with the maintenance of the traditional shrines in the various markets, reporting to the spirits by serving as spiritual rails in addition to coordination of the market women, on behalf of the Palace on whose authority the markets were founded.
Oba Ewuare II further gave a brief historical account of the operational markets’ structure in Benin; and the priceless sacrifices of prominent past Benin Queens: Idia and Iden N’ Okpokhuo.
As he extolled the virtues of women and highlighted the implications of undermining traditional roles in Edo markets; which he explained, does not discriminate against people irrespective of their political affiliation.
Earlier in her brief introductory remarks, Director, Office of the First Lady, Edo State, Mrs. Edesili Anani, said, “we are grateful to be here today. Today, I present to you the Iyaloja-General!
“She came to Edo State for the installation of the Edo market women leader that has been chosen. And we deem it fitting that we must pay homage to the Benin throne.”