FROM IKHILI EBALU, BENIN CITY
Oba of Benin, Ewuare II schooled the daughter of President Bola Tinubu, Mrs Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, on the roles and functions of Iyeki (market leader) in Benin Kingdom.
Oba Ewuare II said the Iyeki performs certain cultural roles on his behalf in markets besides coordinating the affairs of traders in the market.
The monarch noted that the Iyeki has a special relationship with the palace and performs expected roles in the shrine located in every market.
The oba disclosed this when Mrs Tinubu-Ojo visited him to inform him that she was in the state to inaugurate Pastor Josephine Ivbazebule as Iyaloja of all markets in Edo State.
According to the monarch, the Iyaloja concept was alien to Benin culture and must be confirmed by the palace after being selected by the market women.
“Iyaloja is alien to us here in Benin. In Benin, you are in the home of culture, we have our culture. I have discussed this matter with my chiefs and those that are knowledgeable. Do you know the role of Iyeki in Benin culture? Every Iyeki has a special relationship with the palace. Are you aware of that? Do you know that every Iyeki has a cultural role to perform inside every market?
“The oba does not interfere so long as the Iyeki does what is expected of her in the shrine of a particular market on behalf of the oba. We are not going to say much except to explain to you the concept of Iyeki in Benin.”
Chief Osaro Idah, whom the oba permitted to enlighten Tinubu-Ojo, said “Iyeki are independent in every market like the Oba market, Ogiso market and others. The traders select their leaders from within the market.
“The Iyeki does more than the role of coordinating traders. There are certain shrines inhabited in all the markets. They play certain roles on behalf of the palace. After their selection, they bring the person to the palace for confirmation.
“The novelty of general Iyeki is alien to Benin custom and tradition. We just believe the Iyaloja is a socio-cultural thing like you have other clubs.
“It is not in our culture to have a general Iyeki. Iyeki is particular to each market. No one has the right to control the other in another market.
“The Iyeki in Oba Market has no role to play in Ogiso Market. The Oba established the market for all in the society,” he stated.
