The Benin Palace has firmly rejected the introduction of the “Iyaloja” title into Edo State’s market system, describing it as strange to Benin customs and an attempt to politicize the traditional market structure.
The Palace, through the Benin Traditional Council (BTC), stated that the title is foreign to the Benin Kingdom and could cause unnecessary division and confusion in the state’s market leadership.
In a statement signed and authorized by His Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare II, the BTC explained that the Benin market system has always operated under the supervision of palace-appointed heads and traditional leaders who report directly to the monarch. The council said the attempt to introduce the “Iyaloja” title without royal consultation was a breach of long-standing customs.
“The Palace was not consulted before this idea was brought up,” the BTC said. “The Benin Kingdom has its own well-defined traditional structure that governs all markets. Introducing a foreign title like Iyaloja is unnecessary and could destabilize the peaceful system we already have.”
The statement also warned market women against allowing themselves to be used for political purposes, stressing that the palace does not recognize any market leadership imposed by politicians. It urged traders to continue to operate under the supervision of their authentic traditional market heads appointed by the Oba.
The Palace further questioned the motive behind the sudden introduction of the Iyaloja concept, noting that it was alien to Edo culture and had no historical basis in Benin tradition. It emphasized that the palace would not tolerate any external interference in the administration of its markets.
By this declaration, the Benin Palace has effectively ended any ongoing “Iyaloja” politics in Edo markets, reaffirming its authority as the sole custodian of Benin culture and traditions.
