Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku, Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, CFR, Oba of Benin has received the Iyaloja-General of market women Association, Mrs Folashade Ojo Tinubu at his Palace in Benin City, Edo State Capital.
During the visit late Tuesday, Oba Ewuare II, prayer and extended his good wishes to Folashade, but clarified that ‘Iyaloja’-General also known as Iyeki-General nomenclature ‘is alien to Benin tradition’.
Oba Ewuare’s assertion was in response to the outrage that followed the emergence of self-proclaimed Edo State market women leader (Iyeki), Pastor (Mrs) Josephine
Isi Ibhaguezejele in company of Folashade who was led to the Palace by the Director, office of the First Lady, Edo State, Mrs Edesili Anani and other market women in the State.
The first Class traditional ruler, educated the President’s daughter on assigned roles of the various market women leaders (Iyeki) who make rounds at market shrines, report to the spirits by serving as spiritual rails in addition to coordination of market women, on behalf of the palace whose authority the markets were founded.
Giving a brief historical account of how markets structure operates in Benin and the priceless sacrifices of prominent past Benin Queens: Idia and Iden N’ Okpokhuo, in Benin Kingdom, Oba Ewuare, extolled the virtues of women and highlighted the implications of undermining traditional roles in markets in Edo, which he explained does not discriminate against people irrespective of their political affiliation.
According to Oba Ewuare, “In Benin, we have a special place for women. When you mentioned Iyaloja ― meaning Iyeki-general as they say. This is a bit alien to me. I just say, it’s a bit alien to us here in Benin”.
“I know this is an association. You gather yourselves together to be more powerful, and to harness the power of women to help the political class.
“You are in the home of culture, Oba Ewuare II inquired if Folashade knows that every Iyeki has a special relationship with the Palace?”.
Addressing the great Benin throne earlier, Mrs Folashade Ojo Tinubu, informed the Oba Ewuare about her plans to inaugurate a new leadership of markets in Edo State and solicit blessings from the Oba.
In her brief introductory remarks, the colourfully dressed Director, office of the First Lady, Edo State, Mrs. Edesili Anani, said, “we are grateful to be here today. Today, I present to you the Iyaloja-General”.
“She came to Edo State for the installation of Edo market women leader that has that has been chosen. And we deem it fit that we must pay homage to the Benin throne”, according to her.
