By Jethro Ibileke
The Benin King, Oba Ewuare II, has warned Mrs. Folashade Ojo-Tinubu that the term ‘Iyaloja-general’ is not recognized in Benin traditions.
The ruler made this statement on Tuesday when Ojo-Tinubu, the Iyaloja-General of women traders’ associations in Nigeria, presented her respects at his palace.
The Iyaloja-general, who was taken to the palace by the Coordinator from the Office of the First Lady, Edo State, Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo-Anani, had previously told the Monarch that she was in the state to officially appoint Pastor (Mrs) Josephine Isi Ibhaguezejele as the Iyeki-general of the State.
Oba Ewuare II, however, informed her that in the Benin Kingdom, the Iyeki must be approved by the palace following their selection by market women.
He mentioned that beyond her responsibility of managing trader activities in the market, Iyeki carries out specific cultural duties for him across different markets.
He mentioned that the Iyeki maintains a unique connection with the palace and carries out designated duties at the shrine found in each market.
Iyaloja is unknown to us here in Benin. You are in Benin, the homeland of culture; we have our own culture here. I have spoken about this issue with my elders and those who are well-informed.
Do you understand the role of Iyeki in Benin culture? Each Iyeki maintains a unique connection with the palace. Are you familiar with this? Do you know that each Iyeki has a cultural duty to fulfill within every market?
“The Oba does not get involved as long as the Iyeki fulfills her duties at the shrine of a specific market on behalf of the Oba. We won’t elaborate much, except to clarify the idea of Iyeki in Benin,” said Oba Ewuare II.
Providing more explanation about the role of Iyeki in the kingdom, Chief Osaro Idah, who was allowed by the Oba to inform Tinubu-Ojo, stated:
Iyeki operates independently in all markets, including the Oba market, Ogiso market, and others. Traders choose their leaders from within the markets. The Iyeki perform more than just the function of organizing traders.
There are specific shrines present in every market. They serve particular functions for the palace. Once chosen, they take the individual to the palace for verification.
The uniqueness of General Iyeki is unfamiliar with Benin customs and traditions. We simply consider the Iyaloja as your socio-cultural aspect, similar to how you have other organizations.
It is not part of our culture to have a general Iyeki. Iyeki is specific to each market. No individual has the authority to govern another in a different market. The Iyeki in Oba Market does not have any influence in Ogiso Market. The Oba set up the market for everyone in the community.
Earlier, when welcoming the guests, Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo-Anani stated: “We are thankful to be here today. I would like to introduce the Iyaloja-General.”
She traveled to Edo State for the inauguration of the selected leader of the Edo market women. And we believe it is appropriate that we show respect to the Benin royal family.
Image: Oba Ewuare II with the guests
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).
