The Benin Traditional Council, BTC, under the authority of His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, Oba of Benin, has reaffirmed that the Iyaloja concept is alien to Benin culture.
In a statement released by the BTC, the Palace frowned at the use of market associations for partisan politics, describing such practices as contrary to Benin tradition and capable of undermining peace and stability in the markets.
The Council clarified that in Benin culture, market leaders known as Iyeki are selected by market women and later presented to the Palace for confirmation and not appointed directly by the Palace.
It further stressed that there is no position such as ‘Iyeki General’ and that each Iyeki functions independently but remains spiritually and culturally connected to the Palace.
The Palace emphasised that the Iyeki role should not be politicised, warning that deviation from this age-old system could cause a breach of peace.
The statement added that the Benin Traditional Council would have advised the State Government on these salient traditions if it had been consulted earlier.
While commending the current administration, the Palace stated that this administration is doing wonderfully well for everyone and does not need the Iyaloja concept to guarantee its success.
The Palace noted that if it had been properly consulted on the traditional role of the Iyeki, the ongoing controversy could have been avoided.
Though not partisan, the Palace expressed strong support for the State Government, while questioning the motive behind introducing the Iyaloja concept in Edo State.
It wondered if the Iyaloja of Lagos or Nigeria could appoint market leaders across the country and if an Edo woman could be made Iyaloja of Lagos, or if the idea could be extended to other states like Aba, Owerri, Kaduna, or Sokoto.
(Editor: Anoyoyo Ogiagboviogie)
