Controversy has continued to trail the recent installation of Pastor Josephine Ibhaguezejele by the Iyaloja-General of Market Women Association of Nigeria, Mrs. Folashade Ojo-Tinubu, as the Iyaloja of Edo State — a title that means head of markets in the state.
The uproar centers on the unfamiliarity of the title within Benin’s traditional structure, the process of selection, and alleged politicisation of the position.
Tension over market leadership in Benin, previously represented by Mrs. Blacky Ogiamen, resurfaced shortly after the September 21, 2024 governorship election, when traders raised concerns about plans to replace her.
Earlier in July, Ogiamen had led a protest, alleging attempts to oust her illegally from her position as head of market women in Edo — a role that Oba Ewuare II had previously declared non-existent. The monarch explained that each market in Benin Kingdom already has its head, known as Iye’ki, who performs cultural and religious duties on behalf of the palace.
Ogiamen was later accused of using her influence to promote political loyalty to former Governor Godwin Obaseki and for openly supporting PDP candidate Asue Ighodalo during the polls.
Protests Erupt
The crisis deepened weeks ago when members of the Edo State Market Women Association (ESMWA) staged protests against the alleged imposition of Ibhaguezejele, whom they claimed was not of Benin origin.
In a statement signed by Mrs. Florence Ahunwan and five others, the women described the installation as “a taboo” and “a negation of Benin tradition.”
“It is an injustice where a non-Benin, with no inclination to our customs, has been imposed to oversee markets in Benin City and Edo State,” they stated.
The protesters alleged that the appointment was politically motivated and influenced by government officials in collaboration with Mrs. Ojo-Tinubu, the Iyaloja-General of Lagos.
Ibhaguezejele: ‘It’s Politically Motivated’
Responding to the backlash, Pastor Ibhaguezejele dismissed the protest as politically driven, insisting that her opponents were not members of the association she leads.
What further stirred debate was Ojo-Tinubu’s decision to inaugurate Ibhaguezejele before visiting the Oba of Benin, a move critics described as a breach of tradition.
During the event, Governor Monday Okpebholo, represented by Edesiri Anani, Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to empowering women and promoting peaceful commerce.
“Our vision is to promote thriving marketplaces where peace, fairness, and mutual support form the foundation of commerce. Women remain the heartbeat of Edo’s economy,” he said.
Ojo-Tinubu maintained that no one was displaced, stating that the position had been vacant for years. Ibhaguezejele, in her acceptance speech, also claimed that the office had been unoccupied for 12 years, adding that representatives from 151 of 152 markets in Edo attended her inauguration.
Oba of Benin Rejects Title
However, during a subsequent visit by Ojo-Tinubu and her delegation, Oba Ewuare II declared that the title of Iyaloja-General or Iyeki-General was alien to Benin tradition.
He explained that market leadership in Benin has deep spiritual and cultural roots, overseen by each market’s Iye’ki, and not through any centralized system.
“Iyaloja is alien to us in Benin. Here, every market has its Iye’ki who performs cultural roles for the palace. The Oba does not interfere as long as the Iye’ki performs her duties,” the monarch stated.
Speaking for the palace, Chief Osaro Idah added that the concept of a “general Iye’ki” was foreign to Benin custom, stressing that each market leader operates independently and reports to the palace for confirmation.
Strong Reactions Trail Installation
The Aiguobasomwin Movement Worldwide, through its President Iyamu Osaro Culture and Secretary-General Osayuki-Osa Benson, called the installation a “distortion of Benin heritage.”
“Only a Benin woman can be Iye’ki. Pastor Ibhaguezejele’s inauguration should be disregarded because she lacks cultural eligibility,” the group declared.
Former Senator Ehigie Uzamere also criticized the move on Facebook, writing that market leadership in Benin “is a sacred traditional structure governed by the Oba, not politics.”
Similarly, activist and lawyer Jefferson Uwoghiren urged the state government to calm tensions, warning that the incident reflected “a communication failure capable of causing disaffection.”
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), through its Publicity Secretary Dan Osa-Ogbegie, also condemned the installation, describing it as “an affront to Benin tradition.”