₦airaland Forum

The Benin Traditional Council (BTC), under the authority of His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, CFR, the Oba of Benin, has reaffirmed the Oba’s authority over market leadership in Edo State and formally rejected the introduction of the Iyaloja title, describing it as alien to Benin tradition and potentially disruptive to public peace.

In a public memo dated October 7, 2025, the Palace reiterated that the Iyaloja institution common in other parts of Nigeria has no foundation in Benin tradition. It stressed that the Benin market leadership structure, known as the Iyeki system, operates under long-standing cultural and spiritual principles directly tied to the Palace.

Palace Explains Iyeki Market Leadership System
The Council clarified that in Benin custom, Iyeki (market leaders) are chosen by market women and later presented to the Palace for confirmation similar to how village heads (odionwere) are approved before installation.
The Palace does not appoint or impose Iyeki on any market, nor does it recognize any overarching or “honorary” title such as Iyeki General, which the Iyaloja concept implies.

Council Warns Against Politicising Markets
The Benin Traditional Council Iyaloja statement warned that politicising market leadership could endanger public order. The Palace urged the Edo State Government to respect long-established cultural systems when considering market reforms.

Read more:-
https://www.edoheritage.com/2025/10/benin-council-affirms-oba-authority-rejects-iyaloja.html