For several weeks, reports across the media have centered on the controversial inauguration of an “Iyaloja of Edo Markets” — a move that sparked tension among traders and traditional authorities in the state.The issue came to a head following the newly installed market leader’s courtesy visit to the Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II.
During the visit, the revered monarch made it clear that the Benin Palace does not recognize or endorse any title known as “Iyaloja of Edo State.”According to a statement issued by the Palace, the creation of such a title was never part of Benin’s traditional administrative structure for markets. The Oba emphasized that all markets within the Benin Kingdom fall under the direct supervision of palace-appointed chiefs and traditional authorities, not under any politically motivated individuals.
Palace sources revealed that the move to introduce the “Iyaloja” title was perceived as an attempt to impose external political structures on traditional market systems that have been guided by age-old customs. The Oba, therefore, ordered that normalcy be restored and warned against any politicization of market leadership.Following the monarch’s intervention, the activities surrounding the purported Iyaloja inauguration were suspended, effectively shutting down the growing political maneuvering around Edo markets.
The Benin Palace reaffirmed its commitment to preserving the cultural and traditional values of the Kingdom, urging all residents and traders to respect established customs and maintain peace in the markets.