The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, to remain focused on their duties and not be diverted by market women politics.
The Benin monarch’s appeal was conveyed in a statement by the Benin Traditional Council (BTC), released to newsmen on Tuesday in Benin City. The statement was signed by Chief Norense Ozigbo-Esere, the Osuma of Benin; Chief Osaro Idah, Obazelu of Benin; Chief Okunoghae Edomwandagbon, Ine of Benin; Chief Edionwe Oliha, Oliha of Benin; Chief Ada Igbinovia, Eribo of Benin; and Frank Irabor, Secretary of the BTC.
The appeal came in response to the controversial inauguration of Pastor Josephine Ivbaguezejele as Iyeki, the market woman leader in the state, by Mrs. Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, daughter of President Bola Tinubu, on October 2, 2025, at the Edo State Government House.
The monarch observed that markets have been manipulated by partisan politicians and individuals for personal gain, affecting food prices and undermining President Tinubu’s efforts to reduce them.
“This situation has persisted long before the current administration. The Palace disapproves of the ‘Iyaloja’ concept as it is foreign to Edo culture and warns against market women being used as political tools,” the royal father stated.
The Oba noted that associations’ misuse in markets has contributed significantly to rising food prices, negatively impacting economic efforts.
“The Palace opposes trade associations’ involvement in open markets and politics, deeming these practices harmful to Benin market traditions,” he added.
He urged market women and politicians to stop involving the Oba’s name in political matters, emphasizing that the ‘Iyeki General’ title is non-existent in Benin culture.
“In Benin, the Iyeki is chosen by the market women and confirmed by the Palace, akin to the process of appointing an Odionwere in a village. The Palace does not appoint Iyeki, and each Iyeki is culturally and spiritually connected to the Palace,” he explained.
He stressed the importance of not politicizing the Iyeki’s role, warning that deviations could disrupt peace.
“The Benin Traditional Council advises the State Government to heed this warning to prevent law and order breakdown,” he concluded.
Ok