October 5, 2025-Published by Cyril
BENIN CITY —
Tension has gripped Edo State following the controversial installation of Pastor Josephine Ibhaguezejele as Iyaloja of Edo State by Mrs. Folashade Ojo-Tinubu, daughter of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Iyaloja-General of Market Women Association of Nigeria.
The ceremony, which took place recently, has sparked widespread backlash from Benin traditional institutions and market women who argue that the Iyaloja title is foreign to Benin culture and an attempt to politicise traditional market leadership.
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The controversy intensified shortly after the September 21, 2024, governorship election, when moves to replace Mrs. Blacky Ogiamen, the previous market leader and supporter of PDP candidate Asue Ighodalo, began to surface. Ogiamen had earlier protested attempts to remove her, stressing that the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, had previously clarified that no Iyaloja-General title exists in Benin tradition.
According to the monarch, every market in the Benin Kingdom has its head, known as Iye’ki, who performs spiritual and cultural duties for the palace.
Protest and Cultural Backlash
Members of the Edo State Market Women Association (ESMWA) led protests rejecting Ibhaguezejele’s appointment, describing it as “a taboo and an insult” to Benin heritage.
In a statement signed by Mrs. Florence Ahunwan and others, the group said:
- “It is an injustice for a non-Benin woman, unfamiliar with our customs, to be imposed to oversee markets in Edo State.”
The protesters accused Ojo-Tinubu and some political figures of masterminding the installation for political gain.
Ibhaguezejele Defends Appointment
Responding to the allegations, Pastor Josephine Ibhaguezejele dismissed the protests as politically motivated, claiming the protesters were not members of her association. She noted that the position had been vacant for 12 years, and that representatives from 151 of 152 markets attended her inauguration.
At the event, Governor Monday Okpebholo, represented by Edesiri Anani from the Office of the First Lady, reaffirmed the state’s support for women’s empowerment, while Ojo-Tinubu maintained that no one was displaced, saying the move was to strengthen market coordination.
Oba of Benin Rejects Iyaloja Title
The controversy deepened after Ojo-Tinubu visited the palace of the Oba of Benin, where the monarch firmly stated that the Iyaloja title is alien to Benin custom.
- “Iyaloja is alien to us in Benin. Every market has its Iye’ki who performs cultural duties for the palace. The Oba does not interfere as long as she fulfills her role,” Oba Ewuare II declared.
Speaking on behalf of the Oba, Chief Osaro Idah explained that each Iye’ki is selected internally by market leaders and later presented to the palace for recognition, stressing that:
“The idea of a ‘general Iye’ki’ or state-wide Iyaloja is foreign to Benin tradition.”
Public Reactions Continue
The Aiguobasomwin Movement Worldwide, in a statement by Iyamu Osaro Culture and Osayuki-Osa Benson, demanded that the installation be nullified, insisting that:
- “Only a Benin woman can serve as Iye’ki. Pastor Ibhaguezejele’s appointment should be disregarded as she lacks cultural eligibility.”
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Former Senator Ehigie Uzamere also criticised the development, describing market leadership in Benin as a sacred traditional structure governed solely by the Oba of Benin.
Human rights lawyer Jefferson Uwoghiren urged the Edo State Government to step in and ease rising tension, warning that the dispute could “create unnecessary disaffection among the people.”
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), through its Publicity Secretary, Dan Osa-Ogbegie, condemned the installation, calling it an insult to Benin culture and a politically motivated act.
As of press time, the Edo State Government has not released an official statement on the matter.
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