TENSION MOUNTS IN EDO STATE OVER CONTROVERSIAL IYALOJA INSTALLATION BY TINUBU’S DAUGHTER

Palpable tension grips Edo State following the installation of Pastor Josephine Ibhaguezejele as Iyaloja by Mrs. Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, daughter of President Bola Tinubu, sparking sharp cultural backlash. The ceremony took place at the Government House in Benin on Tuesday, drawing immediate criticism from traditional authorities and market women.

Oba Ewuare II, the revered Oba of Benin, firmly rejected the title, declaring it “alien to us here in Benin” during a Thursday palace visit with Tinubu-Ojo and her delegation. “The concept of Iyaloja is alien to us here in Benin. In Benin, you are in the home of culture; we have our culture here,” the monarch stated emphatically. He explained every Benin market is traditionally led by an Iyeki, maintaining sacred ties with the palace and performing cultural rites in market shrines.

“I have discussed this matter with my chiefs and those who are knowledgeable. Do you know the role of Iyeki in Benin culture? Every Iyeki has a special relationship with the palace… Every Iyeki has a cultural role to perform in every market,” Oba Ewuare II underscored.

Market women in Benin protested last week, insisting only a Benin woman could traditionally lead them, viewing the imposition as undermining age-old Iyeki-centric traditions. Culture enthusiast Patrick Osadalor called the installation “an exercise in futility”. “The Oba told her point blank that the culture of the Benin does not recognise Iyaloja but Iyeki,” Osadalor said. “The Iyeki are leaders of the various markets in Benin, and they have spiritual, cultural and traditional roles they perform for the Oba in each market. The so-called Iyaloja is not from Benin, so how will she know what right to perform at the market?”

Without the Oba’s blessing, Osadalor stressed Ibhaguezejele’s role as Iyaloja would be ineffective. Some residents downplayed the controversy; an Edo Central resident suggested Ibhaguezejele could play a coordinating role, though functionality in Benin proper seemed doubtful. “I don’t see anything wrong in the installation of a non-Benin as Iyaloja. She will only play a coordinating role as the Iyaloja,” the resident remarked anonymously.

Social media reactions condemned the move as cultural insensitivity and political overreach, praising Oba Ewuare II’s stance defending Benin traditions. Critics saw Tinubu-Ojo’s action as disrespecting local heritage, highlighting clashes between political influence and entrenched customs.